21 Feb 2023

Nagaland Post

Women’s

India

NDPP-BJP will solve all Naga problems: HM

MON/DIMAPUR, FEB 20

(PTI/NPN): Union Home

Minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted that the NDPPBJP coalition will retain power in Nagaland and it will solve all problems of the state.

Addressing an election rally at local ground Mon Town, Shah also assured the people of expeditiously bringing the Naga peace talks to a successful end and also addressing the issues of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), which has been demanding a separate state.

This is it!

“The NDPP-BJP coalition will form government in Nagaland after polls. We will solve all problems of the state,” Shah said, addressing an election rally here.

“It is my first visit to

Mon town and I will be halting for the night with the people and go back,” Shah said to a rousing cheer from the gathering.

Reiterating the BJP’s commitment towards the Naga peace talks, Shah said, “Our aim is to make peace talks successful and solve Naga political problem quickly.” Stating that the issues raised by ENPO were legitimate’, the veteran BJP leader said, “We discussed and understood their problems and assured them that the new government that will be formed under (chief

CEM ready to facilitate debate between BJP & Cong on Feb 23

DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN):

In response to a call for debate on election manifestos by the BJP to Congress on February 16, Clean Election Movement (CEM) under the aegis of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) said that it would like to facilitate in organizing the public debate by inviting both the parties to take part in a Common Platform.

To increase voters’ knowledge, political accountability and wider democratic participation of com-

mon public, CEM convener Dr Villo Naleo requested both BJP and Congress to attend the debate at Dimapur on February 23 at 1 p.m. Naleo said that further details for the common platform would be notified at the earliest after hearing from the two political parties. While maintaining that CEM stood for clean, free, fair and informed choices, Naleo said that the people in Nagaland awaited this occasion with great anticipation.

(Cont’d on p-8)

minister Neiphiu) Rio ji will resolve these after the Assembly elections.”

“Whatever is needed, like extra budgetary allocations, more power to council, equal development, the NDPP-BJP govt will work on it,” Shah added.

“Our aim is to make peace talks successful and solve the Naga political problem quickly,” Shah said at the rally.

Shah said Prime Minister Modi has taken the initiative to usher in peace and development in the North

(Cont’d on p-8)

Prohibitory orders clamped in Thonoknyu

DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): Following poll-related violence between LJP and NPP workers at Thonoknyu headquarters on February 19, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Noklak K Mhathung Tsanglao has promulgated Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973 with immediate effect and would be applicable till 6am of February 22, 2023 or till further orders. In an order, DC has prohibited the assembly of five or more persons at Thonoknyu Hq and a perimeter of 200 meters around the town.

Putin was ‘dead wrong’: Biden says on surprise visit to Ukraine

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Amit Shah

PCBA holds ‘prayer walk’ for clean election

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh has directed Riongsanger Putu Menden // Village Council and Mongsenyimti Senso Mungdang to ensure peaceful electioneering process be conducted in 24 Angetyongpang A/C, particularly in Mongsenyimti village.

DC issued the directive as both the village councils have accepted the verdict of the High Court order dated January 31, 2023 and the same has been followed in letter and spirit.

by supporting or opposing any candidate failing which necessary action will be initiated as per law. It may be noted that as directed by the Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench dated 3101-2023, both the Riongsanger Putu Menden/Village Council; and Mongsenyimti Senso Mungdang were summoned by district magistrate on February 7, 2023.

DIMAPUR: Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA), Hq Nyengchingkong, Longleng organized a “Prayer Walk” for clean election in collaboration with Longleng town churches and also in all Phom churches on February 19.

In a press release, executive secretary, PBCA, N. Tialemba Phom said that Longleng district Clean

Election Movement Core Committee under PBCA appealed to the voters, who were above 18 years citizens to stick “One Person, One Vote”. At the rally, the PBCA appealed to the gathering to not sell their votes and refrain from using intoxicated substances but as Christian state should participate by following the model code of conduct.

The association has also cautioned leaders and members of various polticial parties to “differentiate between religious spiritual formed of phrases and use them accordingly”.

Phom Baptist Christian Association also reminded the citizens that election comes after every five years, therefore asked them to cast their vote as per clean election guideline.

GPRN/NSCN directive to members

DIMAPUR: GPRN/NSCN has informed all the members of GPRN both civil and military wing to report and be stationed in their respective designated camps and units within three days with effect from the publication of this information.

MIP of GRPN/NSCN said that the directive has been issued in pursuant to NSCN disciplinary conduct and all GPRN members have been advised and obligatorily refrain from involving and sharing any

political platform or render mobilization and campaigning activities in the ensuing assembly election 2023.

MIP said that the order has been issued in the backdrop of the “Indo-Naga political issue still being in a vexed position to be resolved and the clamor for the Indian government sponsored election vigorously manifesting without any qualm and conscientiousness of the larger issue of the Naga national cause”.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I,have fought the good fight,I have finished the race ,I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4 : 7

Words fall short to express how grateful we are to the Friends, Family ,and Organizations who have supported us Spiritually, Physically and Financially during the prolonged illness till the last breath of our beloved Father, Late IMTIMEREN LONGCHAR (Chungtia) who left us for his Heavenly abode on 13th Feb.2023. Even though we may be unable to thank each and everyone individually, it is our earnest prayer that our Heavenly Father will continue to bless you all abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren and Relatives

Ack N ow L e D geme N t

In this connection, DC directed Riongsanger Putu Menden/Village Council and Mongsenyimti Senso Mungdang to immediately refrain from open indulgence in politics

The two organizations appeared before the court and February 10, 2023 and on consideration of their written submission, it has been observed that they have in their volition categorically stated that, they have accepted the verdict of the High Court’s order dated 3101-2023, and the same has being followed in letter and spirit.

DNSU condemns poll-violence

DIMAPUR: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has condemned the poll-related violence at Indisen village, Dimapur on February 18 evening.

In a press statement, DNSU appealed to the supporters of NDPP and LJP (RV) under 2 Dimapur-II A/C to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and abstain from such anti-social activities that was disruptive to the process of a free and fair election.

The union said such actions by the campaigners at this time when the students of Class 10 and 12 were preparing for their upcoming HSLC and HSSLC examinations create disturbance to the students.

Therefore, DNSU fervently appealed to all the concerned citizens to maintain the true spirit of a peaceful election.

DIMAPUR: Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Field Office Kohima, in collaboration with National Institute of Technology (NIT), Nagaland held an integrated communication and outreach programme on Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) at NIT conference hall at Chumoukedima on Monday. Addressing the participants, EAC Chumoukedima, Dziesengunuo Mere said election was the process through which the citizens elected their representatives to govern them. She called on the participants to introspect carefully on the kind of leaders who will make decisions for their future and society. Mere said every eligible citizen has the constitutional duty and right to vote in a free and

Acknowledgement

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”

- Romans 14:8

fair manner. She therefore called on the young voters to exercise their franchise in a responsible way and elect the right candidate to represent them in the house of the people. Stressing on the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct which was framed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure a free and peaceful election, she urged the people to abide by the rules and guidelines of the MCC until the electoral process is over. She said through the SVEEP, the ECI was trying to create awareness and educate the electors for an inclusive, accessible, free and fair election. Mere informed that the ECI has also came up with various Apps in mobile phones and advised the people to access these Apps and actively participate in the electoral process, instead of just sitting passively and waiting

for the results. The administrator also highlighted on the provisions that the ECI has provided for the senior citizens, Covid patients and Covid suspected persons where they can cast their vote from their home.

Speaking as resources person, District Level Master Trainer James Sema gave a presentation on the working of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT). Sema also informed the voters, especially the first-time voters that they can approach the polling officials to assist them in case of any genuine doubts or confusion. Earlier, in his welcome address, registrar NIT, Nagaland Dr. Nosekhol Albert Khizho appealed to the young voters to exercise their franchise as per the democratic principles of the country.

Late mr. Yevecho chüzho

We’d like to express our sincere gratitude to all our loved ones who stood with us and comforted us with your presence, prayers, deeds and loving thoughts at the demise of our beloved father Late mr. Yevecho chüzho who went to be with the Lord on 02/01/2023 at Kohima. Words are inadequate to express how much we owe you all and our sincere prayer is that our Loving God will bless you all abundantly for the love and services rendered to our family.

K-353/23

- Loving children & family

DP-731/23

Born on 09/01/1964 Died on 14/02/2023

The family of Late Vikhoselie Nagi would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who sympathised with us on this devastating loss and to acknowledge the many expressions of condolences shown to us in many ways .

There are no words to express how grateful we are for the honour you all paid to him.

I’m sure he was looking down with pride and smiling right back . Your wisdom and support was very much appreciated. We convey our special thanks to all the blood donors and everyone, Though we are unable to mention each and everyone individually, we pray to the Almighty for blessings upon you for your good deeds. His act of valour and compassion shall remain deep in our hearts as we move on in life.

DP-739/23

Loving wife children and loved ones

Members of PCBA at the ‘prayer walk’ on clean election.

Officials and participants of the SVEEP in Chumoukedima.

Q.: Is it due to NPGs not being united that Naga solution is being held back?

Ganesan sworn in as new governor

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 20 (NPN): La Ganesan was sworn in as the 21st governor of Nagaland by Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench judge Justice Songkhupchung Setro at a solemn function held at Dr Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan here on Monday.

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Q: Has the union budget helped to bring down prices of various commodities?

NDPP-BJP will form govt; no alliance with others: Sarma

The swearing-in ceremony was held in the presence of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton, NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer, cabinet ministers and host of senior officials.

Meanwhile, Ganesan in a statement, stressed on peace for growth and prosperity in the State. In a message after assuming charge, he called for facilitating a conducive social environment to enable the willing participation of all sections of society for inclusive development.

He emphasised on ensuring the highest standards of governance built on the principles of transparency and accountability, adding the interests of people, particularly the poor, should be supreme. He appealed to all for working together, try to reach for the stars and prove that the land was both beautiful and bountiful.

Thanking the chief minister for his warm wel-

come , Ganesan said he eagerly looked forward to working with him and his Council of Ministers. He also extended his greetings and good wishes to the people of the State.

He called upon all the citizens of Nagaland to participate in the world’s largest festival of democracy by proudly exercising their franchise on February 27.

Ganesan said he was overwhelmed by the affection and regard shown to him by people across the State and that he was deeply humbled by this experience.

He mentioned that it would be his sincere endeavour to live up to the expectations of all those who had chosen him, and to serve the best interests of people of the State and country.

“I am fully aware of the great responsibility that has been placed on my humble shoulders. I assure

Nagaland health deptt in shambles: Cong

Sarkar of NDPP-BJP instead reveals the ‘I don’t care’ attitude to the people.

Sujata also spoke about Covid 19 crisis when the government couldn’t provide proper medical facilities such as enough beds, oxygen cylinder and how the health system collapsed completely.This exposed the sorry state of affairs today.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 20

(NPN): Congress continues to hit out at the ruling NDPP-BJP coalition on various alleged failures and on Monday AICC media coordinator Sujata Paul, described health department in Nagaland as being in shambles . She said when union home minister Amit Shah visits Nagaland on Monday, he should not talk of Jal Jeevan mission, road development and health sector.

Addressing media here at Congress Bhavan Monday, Sujata noted that according to the government data from 2021 ICMR report, National

center for disease informatics and research showed the causes of the collapse of health system of Nagaland. She also added that as per report details of Nagaland shared by NDPP-BJP , it showed that Nagaland has 397 SC, 56 HWC-SC’s, 126 PHCs, 5 HWC-PHCs, 21 CHCs, 11 DHs, one Tertiary cancer center and that the state is covered under Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

However she pointed out that there are no sub district hospital, medical colleges, regional cancer care center and no state cancer institute in a state where cancer continue to rise and in this regard the double engine

She mentioned that 34% of children between the age of 12 to 23 months have not received immunization with Penta and Hepatitis B vaccine and that data for Ujjwala gas connection of 24.9 % of rural households have clean fuel for cooking, are amply lucid.

She pointed out that Dimapur, the financial capital of Nagaland has only one district hospital which caters to three districts, Chümoukedima, Niuland and Dimapur but rampant power cuts were causing hardship on doctors and nurses. Sujata shared a video clip from February 18, showing how nurses were treating patients using candle light.

you all that I shall uphold the highest traditions of this exalted position, and will work for the principles that are sacred to our democratic values,” the message stated.

Ganesan said, “In the light of the Constitution, I will discharge my duties with utmost sincerity. I also commit fairness and justice in the discharge of my functions.”

As Nagaland was set to celebrate 60th Statehood Day, he said he drew inspiration from the courage and sacrifice of all those who had led the nation to freedom. He said the democratic-cultural ideals of India and all citi zens would always be his source of energy and, as governor of the State, he assured to always extend his full cooperation to them.

He noted that Nagaland was a beautiful State and the rich cultural tradi-

NCRC flays use of sacred Christian phrases in poll campaign

DIMAPUR: Nagaland

Christian Revival Church (NCRC) has condemned the use of Christian liturgical sacred phrases like ‘Praise the Lord’ and ‘Haliluyah’ in election campaign.

In a press release, NCRC general secretary Rev. Dr. Kiyezhe Chishi said those terms were “for worship of the Almighty God Jehovah, and cannot go together with ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’.” Rev.Chishi maintained that “Bharat Mata ki jai” was expression of the worship of motherland as a goddess by Hindus. “For Christians, motherland is a gift of blessing from God but not a goddess to worship,” Rev. Chishi said, adding that worship of a goddess “cannot equate or go together with the worship of Jehovah, the God Almighty.”

Meanwhile, NCRC has appealed to all the believers to pray for clean election.

5 more years of ‘double engine’govt: Rajeev

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 20

(NPN): Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Electronics & Information Technology Rajeev Chandrashekhar has asserted that another five years of “double engine” BJP-NDPP alliance government would transform Nagaland from being an economy dependent on Delhi to one that would be surplus.

Addressing media here BJP office here on Monday, he acknowledged that it took time for a State to reach a certain critical mass in terms of economy, skilling capabilities, motivate the youth and for investments to come.

Citing the transformation of Uttar Pradesh into one of the hottest destinations for technology in the country in a span of six years, he hoped that in the next five years and with BJP’s manifesto to skill 80,000- 90,000 Naga youth yearly, investments would flow.

“It is my dream and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s dream that the

next wave of unicorns should come from Northeast,” he added.

Asked if not solving the Naga political issue was one of the reasons for stagnancy in entrepreneurship in the State, he opined that even though he did not want to link the two directly, he acknowledged that peace had direct corelation with investments, which in turn had direct corelation to economic growth.

On Kohima Smart City project, Chandrashekhar said in the last twoand-a-half years, a lot of money and resources were spent on gearing up healthcare system for procuring vaccines.

He mentioned that

there was a clear focus of Urban Development Ministry to create more customised framework for hill towns like Kohima.

On Modi not being given permission to use PA Sangma Stadium in Meghalaya for campaign, he replied that BJP was used to such things. He claimed that people all over the country were experiencing the positive impact of Modi’s good governance.

“While any party that tries to create such artificial roadblocks may think that it had been successful, we think that good governance will help us endear ourselves to the masses and we will continue doing that,” he assured.

Questioned whether BJP and NDPP would together contest the election to urban local bodies (ULBs) too, he remarked that the alliance was not opportunistic.

He claimed that BJP approached alliance based on common framework and vision to improve the State and transform lives of people, and that if there was a need for the alliance to be extended, the party

tions of its talented people added a distinct colour to the diversity and splendour of India. He said he felt deeply honoured and privileged to be the First Citizen of this fascinating State.

He acknowledged that it also put an onus on him to live up to people’s expectations, which was both inspiring and challenging. Hence, he said it would be his endeavour at all times to fulfil this onus to utmost public satisfaction.

Ganesan further observed that Nagaland was also a State with tremendous potential. Its green cover, water resources, mineral wealth ad bracing climate, together with the capabilities of its people, could energise the dynamics of the economy. He stressed on science, technology and innovation in propelling the State towards building a knowledge society. He said the people desired better governance, faster development and a life of peace and security and called for standing united in the fight against such divisive and destructive tendencies as communalism, casteism, extremism and terrorism. He appealed to all to rededicate themselves once again to the constitutional ideals and work united.

DIMAPUR: Assam chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that the next government in Nagaland would be formed under the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio in order to carry on with the development work and bring the much-needed solution to the Naga political issue.

Sarma further said that the NDPP-BJP alliance government had provided stability in the past five years, leading to an opposition-less government under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio.

Sarma arrived Nagaland on Tuesday to

address rallies in Pughoboto and Bhandari for the party and alliance candidates along with NDPP secretary general Abu Metha and State BJP chief spokesperson Kuputo Shohe.

Sarma also categorically stated that the BJP has no understanding with other parties like the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP).

“BJP has no links with LJP. If somebody is are spreading rumour that is wrong,” he said. He said he was surprised to learn how LJP had entered Nagaland to fight electora l battle, adding

that LJP was a party not known anywhere in the region.

Addressing the rally for NDPP candidate Y Vikheho Swu from 13 Pughoboto constituency, he said the next government too would be formed under Rio’s leadership.

He further stated that good progress had been made in the Naga political issue and that a positive climate had been created.

He also claimed that the Northeast had received focus under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had described the region as a “new engine” for growth of the country.

Addressing the rally in the Bhandari constituency for BJP candidate Mmhonlumo Kikon, Sarma assured that the Naga political issued would be resolved in the next five years based on Naga’s unique history and identity.

Sarma said reiterated that the NDPP and BJP would be forming the government in Nagaland under the leadership Neiphiu Rio.

Later in the evening, Sarma also addressed an election rally at Alongtaki constituency for BJP candidate Temjen Imna Along. “Appeal to the people of Nagaland to vote for him and help us accelerate the development witnessed by the State in past 5 years,” he said in a tweet.

Athawale kicks off campaigns for RPI (A)

Correspondent/Staff Reporter

KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): Union minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment and president of Republican Party of India (A) Ramdas Athawale said the party was in alliance with BJP at the centre and similarly the two parties would also support each other even here in Nagaland.

He said this while addressing a public rally at RSA ground, Tseminyü.

Since RPI (A) is supporting NDA government at the centre and BJP and NDPP being alliance partner in the state, Athawale said if Ar Loguseng Semp is elected, he will talk with the NDPP leaders and chief minister Neiphiu Rio to secure a ministerial berth for him (Semp).

Highlighting that RPI (A) was a party founded by Dr BR Ambedkar with visions to work for the minority and weaker sections of the society, Athawale said under Modi government the party had been able to work for the minority section of the people extensively.

He added that Ambedkar was not just a leader of the minority alone but even the whole nation and had also drafted the Indian Constitution.

And that the party was committed to spreading the ideology of Dr Ambedkar politically.

Athawale said this time the party was fielding a total of eight candidates in Nagaland in its debut appearance

‘RPI (A) will win

3 to 4 seats’

Ramdas Athawale expressed confidence that the party will win atleast 3 to 4 seats out of eight candidates in the upcoming Nagaland legislative assembly.

The union minister said this while addressing press conference at the residence of its party candidate for 5 Ghaspani II A/C, Z. Kasheto Yeptho.

Athawale said that the party has fielded a strong and confident candidate Kasheto, and expressed confident that he will definitely win.

would certainly explore and do it.

“That bridge would be crossed when we come to the bridge,” he stated.

Chandrashekhar further claimed that he had been involving himself with Naga youth entrepreneurs and helped them begin start-ups even before becoming a minister.

He said the next five years would bring huge opportunities for youth of Nagaland as it would for rest of the country.

He mentioned that Modi had announced Rs 8,000 crore in the budget for skilling youth, while BJP had its manifesto promised to skill 80,000 to 90,000 youth of Nagaland every year that would provide employment opportunities as well as selfemployment.

He also spoke on setting up Digital India Startup hub in all districts of the State.

Chandrashekhar clarified that all these were not empty claims, while noting that the “double engine” government of BJP and NDPP had made tremendous progress in taking Nagaland forward.

Kharge to address public rally in Dimapur today

DIMAPUR: Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would address a public rally at Diphupar Village Public Ground, near GHSS 4th Mile on February 21 at 11am. NPCC through its communications department has invited public to attend the programme. AICC leaders including Dr. Shashi Tharoor (MP), Dr. Ajoy Kumar AICC IC Nagaland and Dr. K. Jayakumar (MP) would also attend the rally.

Postal deptt

‘Maha Mela’

DIMAPUR: Postal Department, North East Region-II will be organising a “Maha Mela” from February 20- 24 for awareness on Post Office saving schemes in all the Post Offices. In this connection, the Department appealed to the public to open account for various schemes which will be beneficial to them, as the Government of India has recently hiked interest rates in various Post Office schemes.

and was hopeful of producing some winners who would be able support the government. He said Loguseng being an architect by profession could become the architect of the constituency.

RPI candidate, Ar Loguseng Semp, in a short speech called on the people to join hands and work together to bring development to the district.

He said he was concerned not just about the Rengmas but even other tribes residing in the district.

A brief speech was also delivered by RPI (A) state president, Nagaland, Mughato Ayemi. The rally programme was chaired by Kenyuseng Tep while invocation was pronounced by TOT Baptist Church, pastor, Ahyulo Seb.

Athawale also spoke about his party’s alliance with the BJP in the centre and said that party will support the NDPP-BJP alliance in the state.

Athawale said that his party was for minorities irrespective of faith, ethnicity, and caste, and they will work for the development of the people.

RPI (A) state president Mughato Ayemi, who also addressed the press conference said since it did not want to disturb the NDPP-BJP alliance have decided to fight independently but with the understanding that after election, they will be open to any possible alliance in the formation of government.

Over 45 cr worth items seized till Feb 19

DIMAPUR: Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland has informed that the central and state agencies have seized banned items including cash to the tune of Rs. 45.90 crore till February 19.

The seized items include-- cash Rs. 4,81,91,075; IMFL Rs. 4,65,41,810; drugs/narcotics Rs. 31,30,84,530; freebies/other items Rs. 4,37,80,090 and precious metals (Silver-0.02332 Kgs) Rs. 1,665.

All party meeting in Kiphire

DIMAPUR: An all-party meeting with the district police was held in the office chamber of SP Kiphire on February 20.

The meeting was attended by party members and office bearers from various political parties.

At the meeting, SP Kiphire, K.Swarnambika welcomed all the office bearers and members from various parties to the meeting. She congratulated

Online booth app training at Mon

and appreciated the good work done by the parties in ensuring that campaigning was done in a peaceful and democratic manner. She also asked them to extend the same kind of co-operation to the district police till the completion of the election process.

The members of the political parties also expressed their gratitude to the police department for initiating the meeting.

DIMAPUR: In view of the forthcoming General Election to the Nagaland legislative Assembly 2023, Online Booth App training for District Level Master Trainers was conducted on February 18 at Deputy Commissioner Conference Hall Mon. Desh Deepak, DIO, Echi, District Rollout Manager, and Hampong Asst. Programmer Election demonstrated the Booth App. He stated that Booth App reduced the queue, helps in fast Polling, and allows error-free recording. It facilitates faster identification of voters using encrypted QR codes from the digitally marked copy of the electors.

Meanwhile, cVIGIL training was introduced in the presence of Observers to various political parties of Mon district on February 18 at DC Conference Mon. Desh Deepak, DIO, Echi, District Rollout Manager and Hampong Asst. Programmer Election demonstrated the App.

SP Kiphire, K.Swarnambika meeting with various political parties in Kiphire.

Ramdas Athawale speaking at Tseminyü.

Himanta Sarma with others at the rally in Pughoboto. (Pics via Twitter)

Sujata Paul addressing press conference on Monday.

La Ganesan taking oath as Governor of Nagaland.

Rajeev Chandrashekhar (NP)

Prez stresses on better border infrastructure

ITANAGAR, FEB 20 (PTI): President Droupadi

Murmu Monday stressed on the need to build better infrastructure in the strategically located Arunachal Pradesh given that it shares borders with three countries.

Speaking on the occassion of the northeastern state’s 37th Statehood Day, Murmu said she was “happy to note” that several ambitious infrastructure projects were being taken up in Arunachal, which is also geographically, the largest state. Both India and China have been building a network of roads, bridges, tunnels, dams and airports to connect the border areas of Arunachal and eastern Tibet respectively. Troops from the two Asian giants have also had face-offs with each other in border areas in the recent past.

“For economic development and from security point of view the state needs to have better infrastructure.

I am happy to know that the Centre has sanctioned the Rs 40,000 crore ambitious Frontier Highway project

for the state. Moreover, for development of national highways projects worth over 44,000 crore have been proposed in the state,” the President pointed out.

She added that the 600 mw Kameng hydro project in West Siang district inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra in November last year would make Arunachal a power surplus state in the country.

“With the inaugu -

Conrad rejects claims that he denied permission for PM rally

NEW DELHI, FEB 20

(PTI): Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) president Conrad K Sangma Monday denied accusations that he declined the Bharatiya Janata Party’s request to hold an election rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the poll-bound state.

“All permissions come from the side of Election Commission of India and based on its direction, the district administration takes action. So there is no say from NPP or my side; dragging our (NPP and my) name into it is completely wrong. Even I haven’t gotten permissions for many of my rallies,” Meghalaya CM said in a press statement.

The NPP president further noted that such things happen during the

elections but the BJP has made this into a big issue.

“But we have already said in the beginning that the stadium has two parts. The first part consists of the Football Stadium, which is ready and it was inaugurated. The other part, which has indoor stadium and swimming pool, is not ready and we have made it clear. Only half is ready and the other part is not ready,” Sangma informed.

On Sunday, the BJP alleged that the ruling National People’s Party in Meghalaya denied permission to the party to hold a rally of PM Modi at Tura’s PA Sangma stadium, citing ‘construction work at the venue’.

The BJP had planned to organise a mega poll rally of Prime Minister Modi in Tura on 24 February.

ration of the state’s first green field airport – Donyi Polo Airport, air connectivity and trade potential will receive a major boost,” Murmu said.

The President, who also laid the foundation stone of a 40-km long double-lane road from Donyi Polo Airport to Naharlagun railway station on the occasion, said that the new road would ease travel for people.

Murmu also spoke on

Sitharaman to visit Sikkim for 4 days

GANGTOK, FEB 20

(IANS): Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will reach Sikkim on February 27 for a four-day visit to the state, a state government statement said on Monday. Chief Secretary V.B. Pathak chaired a preparatory meeting with senior government officials at the Tashiling Secretariat here on Monday to discuss matters related to security and facilitation of the Finance minister’s Sikkim visit. Pathak apprised the meeting about the Union minister’s outreach programme under the Ministry of Finance to sensitise citizens about the impact of the Union Budget and its expected implications. The Chief Secretary also gave a briefing regarding various logistics and other necessary details to be arranged for the Dinance Minister’s vicit.

N Biren flags off students’ exposure tour

Correspondent

the need to empowerwomen, and said society cannot develop without their being given a leading role.

“Woman is a force multiplier for development of a society. Without their development no society can progress,” Murmu, clad in colourful traditional tribal attire, said in her address.

Referring to the state’s woman Everester Anshu Jamsenpa, the first woman in the world to scale the

summit of Mount Everest twice in a season, and the fastest double summiter to do so within 5 days, the President said that women from Arunachal have excelled in various fields.

Jamsenpa, who hails from Bomdila in West Kameng district, received the Padmashree in 2021.

Murmu also mentioned Nari Shakti Purashkar awardee Tage Rita Takhe from Ziro in Lower Subansiri district, who is the first kiwi wine brewer in the country.

“I am of the firm belief that such women will inspire many women in the country in the days to come,” she added.

Holding up Arunachal Pradesh with its many tribes and diverse cultures, as an example of unity in diversity, Murmu appealed to the people of the state to preserve its uniqueness and traditions.

The president also laid the foundation stone of a common directorate for the state’s Human Rights Commission, Lokayukta and State Food Commission here.

IMPHAL, FEB 20: Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh on Monday flagged off Manipur students’ 5-day exposure tour to Maharashtra from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Imphal.

Talking during the event, the CM said that the lack of communication and interaction was behind the discrimination being received by the people of the northeast region in major cities of India.

“We are facing racial discrimination due to lack of communication and interaction,” he said in a speech before flagging off a group of 30 students of the state along with three faculties who will be on a five-day exposure tour to Maharashtra under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat –Yuva Sangam programme.

“To achieve the goal of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘One India united India and strong India’, we need to know each other. That is the main objective of the exposer tour,” he said.

The chief minister asked the participating students to be decent while

visiting the places while asserting their decency will reflect the Manipuri society.

Terming the programme as a unique initiative of the government of India, the chief minister hoped that it will provide an immersive experience of various facets of life, development landmarks, recent achievements, and connect the youths of the northeast states and other states.

He stressed on the importance of such an exposure tour so that people from other regions would know and understand the people of northeast and vice versa.

Taking part in the flagging off function, Union minister of state for educa-

tion Dr RK Ranjan told the students taking part in the tour “Show your best and expose the best of Manipur to your destination state while learning the best from them.”

He said, “The whole India is one India. We have a lot of diversity throughout the country, many languages, many cultures and many ethnicities. The Prime Minister is using this diversity as a great powerful force to make a strong India.”

A total of 30 students of the state selected from various districts and institutions and three faculty members from IIIT Manipur are travelling to Nagpur, Maharashtra as a first batch of the tour to Maharashtra.

Anti-Christian’ attitude of BJP increased, alleges Gaurav Gogoi

Correspondent

SHILLONG, FEB 20: In an attempt to appeal to the sentiments of the electorate in Christian-majority and poll-bound Meghalaya, Congress’ Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi on Monday alleged the BJP of being “anti-Christian” and rejected statements made by Assam chief minister HimantaBiswaSarma during election rallies in Meghalaya recently that there has not been a single incident in Assam that has affected the religious sentiments of Christian people in his state.

“On the contrary news reports have shown increasing intolerance towards minorities - Muslims and Christians alike. There have been instances of church demolition in Chirang in BTAD area of Assam Bhutan border by BJP Govern-

Assamwomankillshusband,mother-inlaw;cutbodypiecesdumpedinMeghalaya

GUWAHATI, FEB 20 (PTI): A man and his mother were killed, cut into pieces, packed in polythene bags and dumped in gorges of neighbouring Meghalaya allegedly by his wife and her two “close friends”, police said on Monday.

The murders happened in July and August last year, and few parts of the mother’s body were recovered on Sunday near Cherrapunji in Khasi Hills.

“The first murder of the mother-in-law happened on July 26, while the husband was killed on August 17. We have arrested all the three accused and they are being interrogated now,” Guwahati Police Commissioner Diganta Barah told PTI. He said the wife and one of her accomplices were arrested in Guwahati, while the third accused was nabbed in Tinsukia district.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Diganta Kumar Choudhury said the wife had lodged a missing complaint about her husband Amarjyoti Dey (32) and mother-in-law Shankari Dey (62) on August 29 and the police started an investigation. “In November, Amarjyoti’s cousin filed another missing complaint, which raised doubts about the wife as she allegedly withdrew money from her motherin-law’s account. Then we re-started our investigation and detected the murders,” Choudhury told PTI.

Both the cases were registered at Noonmati police station, and the murders took place at different

houses in Chandmari and Narengi areas in Guwahati, he said. Addressing a press conference later, the Police Commissioner said the wife has been identified as Bandana Kalita (32), while her two male friends are Dhanti Deka (32) and Arup Deka (27).

“During interrogation, it was revealed that Bandana and Amarjyoti married around 12 years ago against the wishes of both families. The post-marital relationship between the two could not exactly be termed as cordial,” he added.

While Amarjyoti’s mother accepted the marriage later and started supporting them financially, he was not gainfully employed and this led to frequent quarrels between the couple, Barah said.

“Bandana took up a job as a fitness trainer at a gym and her mother-in-law initially supported her, but later she backed out. This turned their relationship sour. Bandana claimed her husband used to take addictive substances and had many woman friends,” the

police officer said. To get rid of the mother-in-law and her husband, the woman allegedly killed them with the help of her friends, he said.

After strangulating Shankari Dey to death at her house at around 5 pm by a pillow on July 26 afternoon, the three cut her body into three pieces, went to Meghalaya in Dhanti’s car and threw the body parts and the weapons used in the crime in different areas by 10 am the next day, he said.

“On August 17, Bandana along with her two partners in crime attacked Amarjyoti with a rod at his flat in Narengi, where the couple used to live. After he died, the body was chopped into five pieces,” Barah said adding that the same process was repeated to dispose of the severed limbs.

A special team formed to look into the case took the three accused to the spots where the body parts of the two persons were thrown away.

“The team with the help of Meghalaya Police searched the gorges. Even-

tually, they managed to trace the mortal remains of Shankari Dey, which were brought to Guwahati. A forensic examination and DNA test will confirm the identity of the deceased,” Barah said.

ment. This anti-Christian attitude of the BJP has increased manifold in Assam as in rest of India,” Gogoi told reporters.

“Recently Janajati Dharma Sanskriti Suraksa Manch in Assam (an organization backed by RSS) has demanded the removal of the Scheduled Tribe Christians. This is against the spirit of respecting the indigenous ethnic origin of

the Scheduled Tribes of the North East, especially the Christian community in Meghalaya and Nagaland. It also demonstrates the compelling need of BJP to repeatedly invoke their anti-Christian mentality,” the Congress leader maintained.

“Religious profiling and harassment of the Christian community in Majuli, Assam is further evidence of the mistreatment of the minority communities by BJP. In Assam the Police Special Branch SP’s sent out ‘secret’ letters to all SPs in the districts seeking information on churches and religious conversion in the region. This is a clear attempt at identifying and targeting Christians in the region. Most recently on February 14 in Narmadapuram in Madhya Pradesh, a church was vandalized,” he further said.

Dubs CM Conrad ‘puppetofAssam’

Dubbing Meghalaya

Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) supremo, Conrad Sangma as a “puppet” of Assam Chief Minister, HimantaBiswaSarma, the Congress party on Monday claimed that the Assam CM is “controlled by” Union Minister, Amit Shah.

Questioning Sarma’s silence on the alleged financial irregularities of the incumbent Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, Congress’ Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi asked, why Sarma did not take up these issues of corruption as North East Democratic Alliance convener before the Meghalaya assembly elections, which is slated to be held on February 27.

“Everybody is aware

how the government was formed in Meghalaya with BJP playing an important role as a broker to form the post poll alliance. Everybody is aware how close Dr. Sarma is with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and how he was made Chief Minister,” the Congress parliamentarian from Assam’s Kaliabor Lok Sabha constituency, said.

“Conrad Sangma is a puppet of Sarma and he in turn is controlled by Amit Shah in Delhi. That is why. Sarma considers Amit Shah to be the Prime Minister and not Modi which he publicly announced in public meetings,” he said. Gogoi was reacting to the Assam Chief Minister’s statement during an election rally that the MDA government has not lived up to expectations and wondered where the fund meant for development disappeared.

DECLARATION

GUWAHATI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): At least five women were killed and a few others were injured in a road accident in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district on Monday.

The accident took place in Bolmedang near Kharkutta at around 11 AM in the district.

As per sources, the accident occurred when the vehicle was travelling to attend an election rally, with at least 24 others on board. The driver lost control due overspeed, hit the side of a hill, and overturned. The sources further added, all five women died on the spot, while as many as 24 persons, who were in the same vehicle, received

injuries. The vehicle was carrying people for Trinamool Congress (TMC) election meeting at Adokgri. Following the accident, emergency teams reached the spot and evacuated the injured to the hospital.

Meanwhile, four of the deceased were identified as Merina Sangma, Sabina Marak, Kukila Momin, and Tesa Sangma. While one deceased woman is yet to be identified.

On Sunday too, a Bolero pickup carrying around 33 passengers, including two female choir members of Umdang Presbyterian Church, met an accident at Mawkhumkha village in West Khasi Hills District in the state.

OFFICE OF THE DIMAPUR LONGPA SENSO TELONGJEM

DIMAPUR - 797112 : NAGALAND

Ref. No................

Date : 19/02/23

CONDEMNATION

The Dimapur Longpa Senso Telongjem (DLST), vehemently condemns the unwarranted incident happened on the night of February 18,2023. Mention maybe made that around 8:00 PM, a convoy of 8 vehicles headed inside Indisen village without any reason and provoking the youths at the vicinity of NDPP candidate Shri. Moatoshi's residence by firing gun shots and thus disturbing the peace and tranquility of the village.

Therefore, the Dimapur Longpa Senso Telongjem urges the Government and law enforcing agency to apprehend and book the culprits and take sternest action as per the law.

K.Mar Lemtur General Secretary President (DLST) (DLST)

I, Smt. Candida George Maliya, D/o Zanthungo Ngullie, residing at Walford in the Dist. of Dimapur, Nagaland, hereby informs all general public that Shri. Michael Ngullie (Lulu), S/o Zanthungo Ngullie has been involved in so many unsocial activities and lending money from various individuals and societies without the family's knowledge. The irresponsible activities of Shri. Michael Ngullie (Lulu) is without the family's permission or my consent. As such, any act, deed, or dealing by any person/s with Michael Ngullie (Lulu) will do so at their own risk and responsibility.

I, hereby on this 9th day of February 2023 disown Michael Ngullie (Lulu) and have severed ties with him. (C ANDIDA Geor G e M ALI yA)

Notary Public Regd. No. 57/2023, Dated : 09/02/2023 dp-741/23

AffidAvit (declArAtion of surnAme)

Regd. No. 1191, Date: 09-06-2022, I Shri. Imtsungliba Imsong S/o, Imnawati, age about 34 years, permanent resident of Asangma Village, Mokokchung District, Nagaland, and a present resident of Upper Kenuozou, L.Khel Kohima Village, H.No C-245, Kohima District, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm on oath and declare as follows:-

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India belonging to the Ao Naga Tribe.

2. That previously I had been using my official name as Imtsungliba which has been recorded in all my official documents.

3. That however from today onwards I shall use my official name as Imtsungliba Imsong.

4. That the name Imtsungliba and Imtsungliba Imsong refers to one and the same person i.e., myself.

5. That henceforth this affidavit is made to declare that I shall be known/refer as Imtsungliba Imsong for all official purpose and future reference.

6. That this affidavit shall be used as a piece of evidence of the fact and proof as mentioned above and also to be used for any rectification if arises in future in regard to my name.

Notary PubliC/ Magistrate Deponent k-351/23

AffidAvit (Correction of Name)

Regd. No 355 Date: 31-08-2021

I Shri Thupukro, of Pholami Village P.O/P.S Pfutsero797107, Dist. Phek, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm/ declare and state an oath as under.

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That my name has been inadvertently entered in my appointment order as Thupkro.

3. That my correct name is Thupukro.

4. That Thupukro and Thupkro is the same person.

5. That henceforth, my name shall be used and written as Thupukro in all official/legal purpose.

6. That the statements made in the above paras are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and nothing false has been stated or concealed therein.

(THUPUKRO) MagisTRaTe 1 Class Deponent Meluri, Dist Phek, Nagaland k-350/23

Sd/- Sd/Akok Ozukum

President Droupadi Murmu being given a traditional welcome by tribal artists upon her arrival in Itanagar, Monday. (PTI)

CM N Biren Singh flags off students’ five-day exposure tour to Maharashtra on Monday.

5 killed, 21 injured in road mishap to TMC’s poll rally

Gaurav Gogoi

Accused Bandana Kalita

Victims Shankari Dey and Amarjyoti Dey

SNIPPETS

Man killed near school in Bhiwandi

THANE, FEB 20 (PTI):

A 35-year-old man was murdered by unidentified persons near a school in Ulhasnagar in Thane district, a police official said on Monday. Ashok Waghmare was killed on February 18, and teams have been formed to nab the accused, Central police station official said.

“The motive is not yet known. Further probe is underway,” he added.

5 held for abducting businessman

THANE, FEB 20 (PTI):

Five persons were arrested for allegedly abducting a businessman from Bhiwandi in Thane district for ransom, a police official said on Monday. The five had posed as policemen and kidnapped the businessman on January 27 and had sought Rs 10 lakh from his kin for his release, Senior Inspector Maloji Shinde of the Anti Extortion Cell said. “They took Rs 2 lakh from him and sought another Rs 3 lakh after letting him go.

Two held for printing, circulating FICN

HYDERABAD, FEB 20 (PTI): Two persons including a woman, who were allegedly involved in printing and circulation of Fake Indian Currency

Notes (FICN) in Telangana and other States were arrested here and counterfeit currency with a face value of Rs 27 lakh was seized from them, police said on Monday. Based on information, police teams apprehended the accused from Chandrayangutta here and seized the fake currency and other material from them, a release from Hyderabad Police said.

German Chancellor Scholz to visit India

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (PTI): German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will pay a State visit to India on February 25 and 26, his first trip to the country more than a year after he took charge of the top post.

Announcing the German chancellor’s visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday that Scholz will be accompanied by senior officials and a high-powered business delegation. He is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on February 25 and will proceed to Bengaluru on February 26, the MEA said.

Education dept official held for taking bribe

JAIPUR, FEB 20 (PTI)

The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday arrested an official of the education department for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 50,000, officials said. Praveen Saxena, an additional administrative officer in the District Education Officer’s office in Sawai Madhopur, had demanded a bribe of Rs 75,000 from the complainant in lieu of taking action on a complaint filed in the DEO’s office, an ACB official said.

Kerala farmer goes missing in Israel

JERUSALEM, FEB 20

(PTI): Authorities in Israel have registered a police case against a 48-year-old Kerala farmer, who reportedly went missing in Israel earlier this month while visiting the country on a state governmentsponsored trip to study Israeli modern agricultural techniques. Biju Kurian, a native of Ulikkal panchayat in Kannur district, was part of a 28-member Kerala government’s delegation of farmers, sent to Israel to study state-ofthe-art techniques such as hydroponics and precision farming.

ED raids premises of Cong leaders in C’garh

Partyclaimsvendetta politics,Sitharaman rejectscharge

NEW

DELHI/RAIPUR,

FEB 20 (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate(ED) on Monday conducted raids at over a dozen locations in Chhattisgarh including at premises linked to state Congress leaders as part of an ongoing probe into the alleged coal levy scam, officials said.

The raids that were underway over 12 hours after they were launched early this morning come days before the start of the three-day plenary session of the Congress party which is in power in the state. The three-day session begins on February 24 in Raipur.

The Congress and state Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel cried foul over the raids calling it “vendetta politics” by the Centre, a charge rejected by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Congress also raised questions over the timing of the raids.

The Congress described the searches as an example of “third-rate politics” of “vendetta, vengeance and harassment”, and asserted that the party will not be intimidated by such “tactics”.

Hitting back, Sitharaman said the Congress

should not speak on corruption as it lost power on the issue and asserted that the probe agencies do their homework and investigate only when they have necessary prima facie evidence.

“The Congress should not speak on corruption at all and then bring in the angle of vindictiveness. It’s a shame,” she told reporters in Jaipur.

At a news conference in Delhi, senior Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera said the ED stands for ‘Exterminating Democracy’ and “Eliminating Democracy”. According to officials, the locations where searches are still underway included those of MLA Devendra Yadav in Bhilai (Durg dis-

trict), Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal, chairman of Chhattisgarh State Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Sushil Sunny Agrawal and party’s state spokesperson RP Singh in Raipur.

The raids also covered some other ruling party leaders, they said.

Offficials said the ED is investigating those who have been the “beneficiaries” of the proceeds of crime of the alleged coal levy scam perpetrated during the tenure of the current government.

The ED investigation relates to “a massive scam in which an illegal levy of Rs 25 was being extorted for every tonne of coal trans-

Rahul attacks Adani in social media video; takes ‘Mitr-kaal’ jibe at govt

NEW DELHI, FEB 20

(PTI): Questioning the allocation of contracts for airports to the Adani group, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the billionaire industrialist benefited from the central government’s “magic” and asserted that he was not against businesses but the creation of monopolies.

In a five-minute video titled ‘Mitr-kaal’ released on his social media accounts, Gandhi said his remarks in Parliament on the “truth” about the businessman were expunged and removed from the records.

“The magic of the ‘fakir’ - took the airport out of his bag and handed it over in Adani’s hands,” Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

“I talked the truth about the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Adani and how India’s wealth was being ‘looted’. But all my remarks and the truth were removed from the records of Parliament ... my remarks were expunged,” he alleged in the video.

“This story is about the ‘kabza-raaj’ (control) during ‘Mitr-kaal’. Control

Corruption, incompetence traits of Cong: J P Nadda

session, Baghel described it as “politically motivated” and claimed the BJP was afraid of the Congress and misusing central agencies to crush the voices of political opponents. This is not ‘Amrit Kaal’ but an “undeclared emergency”, Ramesh, who is Congress general secretary, said.

“If anything, these raids have increased our determination. If anything, these raids have given us a booster dose to be even more aggressive against the prime minister and his third-rate politics of vengeance, vendetta and harassment.”

ported in Chhattisgarh by a cartel involving senior bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians and middlemen”, the agency has alleged. Nine persons have been arrested by by the ED till now in the case.

Youth Congress and NSUI workers staged a demonstration in front of the office of the ED in Raipur to protest against the raids. Police personnel deployed outside the office had to use mild force to disperse the protestors with some videos showing a minor scuffle between protestors and security personnel.

While Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that the raids show the cowardice of the BJP before the Congress plenary

Ramesh alleged that the probe agencies are being misused by the present regime. He said where raids are supposed to happen, they do not take place, especially on the “scams” involving Gautam Adani and where the law has been allegedly violated.

“This is clearly the politics of vendetta, politics of vengeance, politics of harassment and this is supposed to be the curtain raiser for the 85th session of the Congress. We are not afraid and we have nothing to hide. We will not be intimidated. Mr Modi’s policy of FDI is fear, deceit and intimidation and we will not be afraid or intimidated by such actions.”

BYNDOOR, FEB 20

(PTI): BJP national president J P Nadda on Monday said division of the people and society, corruption, incompetence, non-governance, divide-and-rule, are the basic traits of the Congress party, and expressed confidence that people of Karnataka have decided to choose BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls.

Addressing a public meeting here, he said, the primary character of the Congress is division, corruption, commission, nonperformance and betraying people from their rights.

“Elections are coming and I want to tell you that it is the BJP, under which Karnataka has progressed, it will continue to progress further on the path of development. I can say this with guarantee,” Nadda said.

The BJP leader alleged that the Siddaramaiah-led previous Congress government in the State had withdrawn 175 cases and had released 1,600 people who were Popular Front of India (PFI) and Karnataka Forum for Dignity (KFD) activists, involved in anti national activities and had taken law and order into their hands.

“This was with an intention to create division in the society, there is vote bank politics, politics of convenience behind this,”

J P Nadda (PTI)

he said, as he charged Siddaramaiah of conspiring to disturb the peace in the State. “Siddaramaiah is squarely responsible for it,” he added.

Also questioning the rationale behind Siddaramaiah government’s move to close Lokayukta by making it weak, Nadda said, it was because they deeply indulged in corruption, and were “part and parcel of commission and corruption”.

“Division of the people, division of society, corruption, incompetence, nongovernance, divide-and-rule, all these are the basic traits of the Congress, I’m saying this with responsibility and am ready to substantiate,” he said, as he urged people to support the “double engine” government to take Karnataka forward.

BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel, national general secretary C T Ravi, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje were among others present at the event.

Nikki Yadav murder: Court sends Gehlot to 2-day custody

there were big scams when the Congress-led UPA was in power that tarnished the image of the country.

Even as he targeted the Adani group, Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he was not against businesses and claimed he was “probusiness”.

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (IANS): A Delhi court on Monday sent Nikki Yadav murder accused Sahil Gehlot to two days police custody for interrogation and five co-accused to 14 days judicial custody.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samiksha Gupta of Dwarka court issued the order.

Rahul Gandhi

over airports, control over ports, roads and defence forces, control over the media, coal and energy and overall over the government of India...,” he said, claiming that the media did not speak on this and the prime minister did not reply to the questions posed by him.

“Speaking the truth and facing it is our country’s history,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the prime minister and the government over the growth of the Adani group during the BJP rule and have claimed that this is happening due to the businessman’s proximity to the party and its leadership.

The BJP had slammed the allegations as “reckless and baseless” and reminded the opposition party that

“But I am against the creation of monopolies and I am against ‘jadu’ (magic). What ‘jadu’? From 609 to 2 (richest individuals) and the ‘jadu’ of 4 to 14 (sectors) and the magic of zero to six (airports). It is said that everyone does not get everything one desires, but that is not applicable to the prime minister’s ‘friend’,” he said.

A person who has never run an airport and does not even understand the business, and the most profitable airports were handed over to him, Gandhi alleged.

“My question is why one person was handed over six airports as the rule was not to give more than two airports to one person.

“The last ‘jadu’ was the Mumbai airport, the golden sparrow of India’s airports. There was pressure from the agencies - the CBI and ED - on the Mumbai airport operator.”

Gehlot had strangled 23-year-old Yadav near Kashmiri Gate on February 10 and married another woman on the same day.

Yadav’s body was found in a fridge at dhaba, owned by Gehlot, in Mitraon village, outskirts of Delhi on Valentine’s Day (February 14).

While Gehlot’s father Virender Singh, cousins Naveen (a constable in Delhi Police) and Ashish and friends Lokesh and Amar were sent to two-day police custody on February 17 for hatching a conspiracy to get rid of Yadav and going ahead with his wedding with another girl, Gehlot was sent to five-day police custody.

In the latest development, the interrogation of Gehlot has revealed that he had planned to push Yadav out of a moving car and show her death as an accident, but as his plan could

UP budget session starts on stormy note

LUCKNOW, FEB 20

(PTI): The Uttar Pradesh legislature’s budget session started on a stormy note on Monday with opposition Samajwadi Party disrupting Governor Anandiben Patel’s address with “Rajyapal wapas jao” slogans.

The governor continued her speech amid the rancorous slogan-shouting, and said the state government is moving on the path of good governance, security and development. An environment of peace and harmony is being ensured with the policy of zero-tolerance towards crime and corruption, she said.

In her speech that lasted a little over an hour, she referred to the recent Global Investors Summit in Lucknow and various other achievements of the state government, welcomed by members of the ruling party, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, by thumping of the table.

The Samajwadi Party protest was also backed by

RLD, Congress and BSP members who stood in their place as the government read out the speech.

The governor said the investors summit got encouraging response from the global business community and 19,058 proposals worth more than Rs 33.50 lakhcrore were received which are likely to create more than 94 lakh employment opportunities.

In her address, she also condoled the death of former chief minister and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The governor said that

in 59.1 percent cases of crimes against women, the culprits have been punished, which is the highest in the country and more than double the national average.

The state government has identified 847 encroachers as land mafia in the state and 196 of them are in jail now, she said, adding four anti-land mafia task forces have been constituted, and more than 70,000 hectare area in the state has been made encroachment-free so far, she said.

Opposition members raised slogans such as ‘Rajyapal wapas jao (gover -

nor go back)’ and ‘Pradesh me bulldozer ka aatank (bulldozer-terrorism in the state)’. They also attacked the government over law and order, and threw barbs like “dictatorship”

Leader of Opposition in the House Akhilesh Yadav was seen carrying a placard that demanded a “caste census” and equal rights to all. SP leader Shivpal Singh Yadav was seen sitting on the front row after the patch-up with nephew Akhilesh Yadav and being made the SP’s national general secretary.

The governor said there was a continuous decrease in crime cases in the state.

“There has been a decrease of 80.31 per cent in dacoity incidents, 61.51 per cent in robbery incidents, 32.45 per cent in murder cases, 51.65 per cent in rioting cases, 43.18 per cent in kidnapping for ransom and 21.75 per cent in rape cases as compared to the year 2016,” she said, reeling out figures.

not work out, he strangled her with a charging data cable in the car, police sources said on Monday.

According to a senior police official, the prime accused, Gehlot was interrogated at length during police custody and disclosed that Yadav was dissuading him from marrying someone else as they had already solemnised their marriage in 2020.

“She was pleading with him not to go ahead with the marriage fixed by his family with another girl on February 10. However, Gehlot along with his father, two cousins, and two friends hatched the conspiracy and planned to remove the deceased from their way,” said the official.

“He executed the plan and murdered her and informed other co-accused persons about it on the same

day and then all of them went ahead with the marriage ceremony,” said the official.

Accused had initiallyplannedto pushheroutofcar

The interrogation of Sahil Gehlot, who is accused of killing his first wife Nikki Yadav, stuffing her body into a fridge, and then, going on to marry another woman the same day, revealed that he had earlier planned her to push her out of a moving car and show her death as an accident, police sources said on Monday.

According to sources, as his plan could not work out, he then strangulated her with a charging data cable in the car at Nigambodh Ghat parking and then stuffed her body inside the fridge in this dhaba. Yadav’s body was

found in a fridge at dhaba, owned by Gehlot, in Mitraon village, outskirts of Delhi on Valentine’s Day (February 14). He had allegedly killed her on February 10 and go on to marry another woman on the same day.

Police have also arrested Gehlot’s father, his two cousins Ashish and Naveen (a constable in Delhi Police) and two friends, Amar and Lokesh, for hatching a conspiracy to get rid of Nikki and go ahead with the wedding with another girl.

According to a senior police official, Gehlot was interrogated at length during police custody and disclosed that Yadav was dissuading him from marrying someone else as they had already solemnised their marriage in 2020. “She was pleading with him not to go ahead with the marriage fixed by his family with another girl on February 10. However, he, along with his father, two cousins and two friends, hatched the conspiracy and planned to remove her from their way,” said the official.

“Gehlot executed the plan and murdered her and informed other co-accused persons about it on the same day and then all of them went ahead with the marriage ceremony,” said the official.

Eight more named in Bhiwani murder case: Rajasthan DGP

JAIPUR, FEB 20 (PTI): Rajasthan police chief Umesh Mishra on Monday said they have named eight more accused in the abduction case of two youths whose bodies were found in a car in Haryana, and are making efforts to arrest them. The DGP also said the Rajasthan Police has been investigating the case by staying within the ambit of the rules, and rejected allegations that the force personnel assaulted the wife of an accused in Haryana.

The Rajasthan Police has already arrested one person, named Rinku Saini, in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of Nasir (25) and Junaid alias Juna (35), residents of Ghatmeeka village in Bharatpur district. Their bodies were found inside a burnt car in Loharu in Bhiwani in Haryana on Thursday morning. Mishra said on Monday that apart from Saini,

eight more accused have been named for abducting the two men from Gopalgarh police station area of Bharatpur district.

The DGP said that efforts are being made by the Rajasthan Police in collaboration with the Haryana Police to arrest them. Haryana Police counterparts.

Mishra said he has spoken to the Haryana police chief and they are extending full cooperation, a statement said.

The DGP said the Rajasthan Police has taken the local police along with them wherever they have gone to Haryana for any action in the case.

He also denied allegations of assault on the family members of one of the accused, Srikant Pandit, saying the Rajasthan Police had accompanied the local police in Haryana’s Nuh district and lawful action was taken as per the prescribed procedure.

Security personnel outside the residence of a Congress leader during a raid by ED in connection with a mining case, in Raipur, Monday, Feb. 20, 2023. (PTI)

Accused Sahil Gehlot (M) with police men.

SP leaders raise slogans at the joint sitting of both Houses of the state during the Budget Session, Monday. (PTI)

Undemocratic elections

Over 30 persons were reported to have been injured during pre-poll violence in several districts of Nagaland at Mokokchung, Wokha, Longleng and Dimapur during the past 50 days while several vehicles and some properties were also damaged in clashes between supporters of rival candidates. These incidents are not unexpected given the fact that most of the areas have a history of poll-related violence. The saying, prevention is better than cure is the only method that can either prevent such incidents. By now, the state government and especially the district authorities should have done some proper study on the recurrence of pre-poll violence in some districts. If violence is used strategically to demobilize opponents, it follows that parties should be most interested in deploying violence in areas where it matters most, such as locations where they are concerned about losing. Politicians often capitalise on the emotions and beliefs of common people that can be regional, ethnic, and religious. They become an integral part of the political process. These values and beliefs become extremely intense and often lead to violence in the struggle for political supremacy. Violence around elections is not only dangerous for those trying to vote, but has broader repercussions that contribute to instability. In fact, the clashes happen primarily because of the habitual offenders who have been given the biggest space during elections. Violence is seen as a tool to ensure that the supporters of the rival candidate are discouraged from exercising a free choice and also to affect electoral outcomes. Violence can also result in harming democracy itself. Particularly violent elections have the potential to scare voters away from democracy and facilitate proxy voting. If pre-poll violence is not effectively prevented and discouraged by stringent punishments, it will only lead to loss of confidence in the sanctity democracy when elections and violence become synonymous. Electoral violence is often treated by the popular press as resulting from age-old ethnic conflicts or high emotions at election time. Habitual offenders are the main perpetrators of poll-related violence and it refers to any group whose main goal is to obtain profits and money through illegal activities. Such groups can perpetuate their viability either by threatening or using violence, by exploiting the thin dividing line between minor and major offence. Those who are prone to poll violence are mostly youths coming from dysfunctional families or economically deprived sections who have been enticed to sell their services for poll duties as part of youth brigades. By selling their services for ‘election duty’ anti-social elements have also made use of threat or force during elections as an acceptable means to fight democratic elections. The issue of political violence has once again come to the fore in the wake of the recent incidents and these also seek urgent attention of the public besides the government. The fact that till late, gangs of youth moving around in vehicles across the constituencies, is nothing but a provocative action especially in sensitive areas. The state administration and police have to gear up and sanitise sensitive areas and enforce the rule of law. It is seen that when the law enforcement agencies attempt to wear the gloves, it has only aggravated the situation. No effort should be spared to enforce public peace and security and offenders should be dealt with stringently.

DailyDevotion Taking the Initiative Against Daydreaming

Arise, let us go from here. —John 14:31

Daydreaming about something in order to do it properly is right, but daydreaming about it when we should be doing it is wrong. In this passage, after having said these wonderful things to His disciples, we might have expected our Lord to tell them to go away and meditate over them all. But Jesus never allowed idle daydreaming. When our purpose is to seek God and to discover His will for us, daydreaming is right and acceptable. But when our inclination is to spend time daydreaming over what we have already been told to do, it is unacceptable and God’s blessing is never on it. God will take the initiative against this kind of daydreaming by prodding us to action. His instructions to us will be along the lines of this: “Don’t sit or stand there, just go!”

If we are quietly waiting before God after He has said to us, “Come aside by yourselves…” then that is meditation before Him to seek His will (Mark 6:31). Beware, however, of giving in to mere daydreaming once God has spoken. Allow Him to be the source of all your dreams, joys, and delights, and be careful to go and obey what He has said. If you are in love with someone, you don’t sit and daydream about that person all the time— you go and do something for him. That is what Jesus Christ expects us to do. Daydreaming after God has spoken is an indication that we do not trust Him.

Quotes

One of the intangible heritages which is in danger around the world are the mother languages. There are many reasons for which many of our languages and dialects are in danger. Globally 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. But progress is being made in multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life.

It is always suggested that a child should start learning in their own native languages. In spite of this we have seen the impact of powerful languages like English in our society. But it has been learned that multilingualism contributes to the development of inclusive societies that allow multiple cultures, worldviews and knowledge systems to coexist and cross-fertilize. Multilingual education based on mothertongue facilitates access to

and inclusion in learning for population groups that speak non-dominant languages, languages of minority groups and indigenous languages. We know how languages change in India when we travel from one state to another and this is a truly rich heritage that any nation can have . There are different languages spoken in our country and similarly there are many other native languages around the world and the challenge for us is how do we protect or safeguard our linguistic diversity in the time of globalization. There is no doubt that languages, with their complex implications for identity, communication, social integration, education and development, are of strategic importance for people and the planet. Every two weeks a language disappears taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been

given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world. When languages fade, so does the world’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Opportunities, traditions, memory, unique modes of thinking and expression — valuable resources for ensuring a better future — are also lost. We are aware that multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages, which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way. One of the global events being organized to address the importance of mother languages and any other indigenous languages is the International Mother Language Day (IMLD) which is observed every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism on 21st February.

The theme of the 2023 IMLD is “multilingual education – a necessity to transform education” aligns with recommendations made during the Transforming Education Sum-

mit, where an emphasis was also placed on Indigenous people’s education and languages.

The IMLD was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. The idea to celebrate the day was the initiative of Bangladesh. The UN General Assembly welcomed the proclamation of the day in its resolution of 2002. On 16th May 2007 the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/ RES/61/266 called upon Member States “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world”. By the same resolution, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages, to promote unity in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism and multiculturalism and named UNESCO to serve as the lead agency for the Year. UNESCO encourages and promotes multilingual

NVCO make a sincere appeal to the highest authority to stop persecution and violence against Christians in India

As several other BJP leaders especially the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are expected to address election campaign in Nagaland, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation(NVCO) make a sincere appeal to them to stop persecution and violence against Christians in India as a secular democratic nation. NVCO President Kezhokhoto Savi who is a lawyer by profession and also associated to International Defence Alliance(IDA) said that about 100 churches and organisation and more than 15,000 people participated in a peaceful protest rally on rising violence against Christians in India at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 19th Feb, 2023 where speakers highlighted Christians are being accused of forcibly converting people to Christianity. Churches are being attacked, Christians are being beaten up and arrested, not even allowed to pray in one’s own home to the extend a few women were arrested for offering prayers during a birthday celebration and the Christian community are living in a constant state of panic and these persecution & violence are more in the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and so many other places where their basic fundamental rights are being snatched. However, along with the rest of the churches in Nagaland, Jakhama Baptist Church had conducted a prayer programme for 2023 Election and the Persecuted Christian in India call by Nagaland Baptist Church Council(NBCC).

Deacon and Church Board Chairman Shri. Ketholeho Kulnu highlighted about the value of vote, clean election and to follow Christian principles while exercising one’s vote as a Christian. Whereas Shri. Kezhokhoto Savi who is a former chairman of Jakhama Baptist Church Mens’ department spoke on - “the Persecuted Christian in India”. Mr. Savi shares about his presentation on the topic – “Constitutional Provision with special reference to Christians” during the Nagaland Baptist Church Council(NBCC) 21st Triennal

Convention held at Impur, Mokokchung from 2nd to 4th Feb, 2018 whereby he had highlighted about the provision of Indian Constitution safeguards the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice and propagate the religion of one’s choice but despite of the above mentioned fundamental rights there several incidence it violates the fundamental rights of the citizens on the ground of religion including the Christianity and also highlighted the persecution and violence against Christians in one year during the BJP led National Democratic Alliance(NDA)’s government under the Prime Minister of Narendra Damodardas Modi from 26th May, 2014. The violence peaked between August and October 2014 with 56 cases, before zooming up to 25 cases during the Christmas season including the burning of the Catholic Church of St. Sebastian in Dilshad garden in the national capital of New Delhi and the violence has continued well into the New Year 2015, with more Catholic churches in the city targeted as incidents continue in other states.

Mr. Savi has also highlighted about Freedom of Religion Act or anti-conversion laws in India whereby several states had passed these laws especially the BJP ruled government and attacks Christians intentionally used as instrumental in brutally suppressing and exploiting Christian as minorities and punishing pastors and church workers. In Indian states where anti-conversion laws have been passed recently, those has been a rapid increase of incidents of persecution against Christians, such as churches being destroyed, Bibles and other literature being confiscated and Christian gathering being banned. NVCO appreciates the press statement of the churches and fellowship including Dimapur Areas Ao Baptist Pastors Fellowship, ABAM & NBCC openly expresses its serious concern & resentment over the usage of sacred and spiritual phrases/slogans during election campaign. He has also condemned the writing of one Jagdamba Mall widely published in local papers recently threatening nagas to remember, “BJP Government

in Delhi does not want to go in Kashmir way in Nagaland to avoid unpleasant incidents” who claimed himself as a life-long worker of RSS who has spent forty years of his prime life in service of Nagas of Nagaland stationed at Kohima. Jagdamba Mall has also described as to how RSS is the godfather of BJP and BJP’s roots lie in RSS. The BJP top party leaders instead of preaching in Nagaland during election as “BJP not anti- Christian” stated by BJP national secretary and co-convenor North East, Rituraj Sinha he must convey this message to his Party BJP at Delhi to stop persecution and violence against Christian as a secular democratic nation. As rightly put John Narla Union Minister of state for minorities under scanner by NBCC & ABAM(Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang), NVCO questioned as to why John Barla minister-in charge for minorities failed to protect the Christians from persecution and violence as minority. NVCO was wandering whether there was any incident John Barla as union minister of state for minorities spoke strongly against persecution and violence upon the Christian community in Parliament? If at all he was a pastor then a very big WHY he was proudly shouting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. Today, by seeing the situation of our immediate state neighbour Assam under the BJP Chief Minister, life of Christian in a Christian state including Nagaland is not secure seeing an incident where several churches are been raised down by the state government and several other incidents been facing by Christian in Assam. Assam: RSS- affiliate JDSSM(Janajati DharmaSanskritti Suraksha Manch) demands removal of Christians from ST list where Over 1 lakh members of JDSSM would be staging a demonstration at Janata Bhavan under “Challo Dispur” programme, demanding both the Central and the State governments to amend Article 342A of the Constitution.

Press & Media Cell, NVCO Advocate Kezhokhoto Savi during the prayer programme at Jakhama Baptist Church on Feb 19, 2023

NNC do not recognise Indian election

In view of the upcoming Indian election in Nagaland State scheduled to be held on the 27th of February 2023 and seen the preparations of a stage-managed drama going on for it, I am constrained to write this statement to remind the Naga people that the Naga National Council (NNC) and the Republic of Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) do not recognize any Indian election. This stand of the NNC/FGN is not only confined to Nagaland State but to all the Naga inhabited areas as well .We vehemently condemn and strongly stand against such kind of Indian elections in our land.

When the first General Election of the Indian Republic was held in 1952, the Naga people totally rejected it and even up to this day we remain and hold the truth of the Naga Plebiscite of 16th May 1951 where 99.99% voted in favor of Naga sovereignty which automatically endorsed the Naga Independence Day of 14th August 1947. Following the rejection and boycott of the Indian election in Nagaland, The Indian army carried out all kind of heinous and barbaric tortures

manner which

will never

even to animals. This situation compelled the Nagas to take up arms against the Indian army strictly in self-defense and defense of their women and children. Otherwise NNC/FGN follows non-violent policy, a philosophy that the Father of the Indian Nation taught the world. In spite of these horrible situations, the Naga people were firm in their stand and totally rejected the Second General Election of the Indian Republic again in 1957.

In 1958, the Indian Govt. promulgated the draconian law “Armed Forces Special Power Act” in Nagaland which is now spread over the whole North East India. In 1960, they signed a deceitful and treacherous agreement so-called “16-Point Memorandum” with a group of Naga over-ground self-style leaders and forced upon a State to the present Nagaland State by installing an Interim Govt. Thereafter, on the 16th of Jan, 1969, a crucial telegram message was sent to Indira Gandhi the then Prime Minister of India by A.Z Phizo the then President of NNC which reads: “THE COMING

NIZED. IT IS AGAINST HUMANITY. IT MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN THAT NAGALAND IS NOT INDIAN TERRITORY AND THE NAGAS ARE NOT INDIANS. THEY ARE NOT DEMANDING INDEPENDENCE FROM INDIA. THEY HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO CONTINUE TO DEFEND HUMAN RIGHTS AND THEIR NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND INDIA BEARS RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL CONSEQUENCES AS THE AGGRESSOR”. Thereupon, Indian system of election was brought to Nagaland State by brute force without any legality or justification. Therefore, the so-called Nagaland State Govt. is a ‘puppet government’ which the Naga people can never recognize. I am cautioning the Naga people to be thoughtful of our tomorrow. I am reiterating the stand of Naga National Council that we do not recognize the illegal Indian elections and NNC will do away with such sham and unjustified elections in due course of time with a non-violent policy.

education based on mother tongue or first language.

The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) aims to ensure indigenous peoples’ right to preserve, revitalize and promote their languages. It offers an opportunity to collaborate in the areas of policy development and stimulate a global dialogue and to take necessary measures for the usage, preservation, revitalization and promotion of indigenous languages around the world.

Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, in her message on the occasion of IMLD said that “while mother-tongue-based education is essential to the full development of individuals and to the transmission of linguistic heritage, 40% of the world’s students do not have access to education in the language they speak or understand best. Such a situation severely undermines learning, cultural expression and the building of social

relatio ns, and significantly weakens the linguistic heritage of humanity.”

The overall aim of the IMLD 2023 is to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 by recognizing the role of actors in education and in related fields in promoting multilingualism and multilingual education, and in fostering quality, inclusive and equitable learning. We must be proud of our mother languages and any native languages and must safeguard these fragile resources. IMLD is an opportunity for us to talk, discuss and brainstorm what best can be done to safeguard our linguistic diversities. One may learn any number of languages but if s/ he is not familiar with own mother tongue then that is one of the biggest tragedies. Let us ensure that all languages are protected and let us take pride in our own mother languages.

Ranjan K Baruah (With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)

Naga voters in dilemma

The changing political narrative both at the national and state level has put the electorate masses in a Christian dominated state Nagaland into more bewilderment than ever before. With the polling day just a few days away before we go and cast our valuable votes on 27th of February 2023, there it lies a great challenge to all voters. On one hand religious ideology and on the other hand political ideology seems never in synchronized but always in a squabble mood whenever the election time resurfaces. As a matter of fact, we have seen much of brouhaha and still pouring in lot of public opinion with no concrete resolution at sight over political party issues in the state politics.

Churches issuing condemnations notice against various political party workers for hurting the sentiments of the Christians have also seen in various social media. In fact, religion in the matter of Nagaland politics have been shrouded in dilemma leaving the electorate masses into enigmatic situations as to which political party should the electorate would choose. However, since from the time of inception, politics in the case of Nagaland is different from that of any other states.

Here, most of the electorate masses at the grassroots level did not even bother about as to which candidature belong to which political party. This clearly shows that most of the voters even during this time around will definitely cast their precious vote to whom they think the candidature is capable according to their own conscience based on the individual capability and not based on the party lines. Thus, any intending candidates changing

the political party at this time just because the candidature had received backlash due to religious pressure will make no difference to woo the voters. The reason is self-explanatory because voters tend to look up at the individual level and not on which party lines does one belongs to. Therefore, any eligible candidates can be any political party.

Over and above, Nagaland being a revenue starved state, it depends almost entirely on the centre where we often see our leaders going to the centre with a begging bowl. Thus, in the end, it doesn’t matter whichever party may come to formed the government will automatically alliance with the centre not even concerning about which political party is taking the helm at the centre. Therefore, under such pressing circumstances, the question arises is that, to whom shall we appeal to as a conscience keeper? Should we appeal to voters to stave off from voting a particular political party just because their ideology contradict with our Christian belief system? Or should we appeal to the indenting candidates to change their political party? Or isn’t it just a ploy that our Christian voters are taking only one-sided approach and taking the full advantage of the religion card as a tool to suppress another political party? Which side are we truly stand for as a conscience keeper?

Y. Mhonchumo Humtsoe, MA (International Relations), North East Christian University. (The views expressed are of writer’s personal opinion and do not represent the stand of the university)

Guard against misuse of ‘double-engine govt’

Thereality of a ‘Hindu-Rastra’ in the guise of electoral politics and development agenda should not be taken for granted

I am sure many of you are familiar with the term ‘double-engine-sarkar’ that has been widely used by the Narendra Modi led BJP government. To my knowledge this is POLITICAL MARKETING — to sell to the masses the benefit of having the same party or alliance ruling at the Centre and State.

With elections in Nagaland just around the corner let me share my understanding on this narrative of ‘double-engine-govt’ that is being promoted by the BJP and its allies and to guard against it misuse.

Firstly, irrespective of the party in power, one should not be misled into thinking that a favourable party govt at the Centre is needed for a state govt to get the full benefit of development and other resources due to it.

-

Gen (Rtd) Thinoselie M Keyho, President, Naga National Council (NNC), Kohima Nagaland

It should be made very clear that the rights of States is recognized by the constitution as is evident in the distribution of financial resources, sharing of taxes and the constitutionally binding grants recommended by the Finance Commission and also the grants-in-aid under Art 275. And therefore it does not require that a State govt should run on a single or double engine. What really matters is to make use of whatever resource is made available and to govern well. The bottom-line is that development should not depend on political favours or allegiance to a particular party or belief system. The States in the Indian Union have their own autonomy and rights and should not be at the mercy of the Central govt in Delhi

and neither should they be held ransom by the dictates of party or electoral politics.

Secondly, let’s hope that a ‘double-engine sarkar’ does not lead to economic dependency, political dictatorship and cultural/religious suppression. It will be interesting to see how the ‘double-engine NDPP-BJP alliance and government will play out if it comes back to power.

Our Chief Minister is already on record stating the rationale for the 40-20 seat sharing arrangement in favour of a bigger share for the NDPP was proposed by the BJP “to respect the sentiments of Christian-majority Nagaland’”. This move of the BJP is hardly surprising.

Our elected leaders, especially those in power will hopefully stand up to guard and protect the right of States. Nagaland in particular has been provided with certain safeguards (Art 371A) so that we can develop according to our own genius.

The reality of a ‘Hindu-Rastra’ in the guise of electoral politics and development agenda should not be taken for granted. We should not allow money power to be misused — to hold us captive to an alien culture and belief that is detrimental to our freedom and faith. It doesn’t matter who is ruling in Delhi. We should develop according to our own terms and needs without compromising. For us let’s build a strong and self-reliant Nagaland. Let us defend freedom, democracy and the rights guaranteed in the constitution.

Along Longkumer, Former Editor, The Morung Express and

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

21st February is the International Mother Language Day Let’s safeguard our linguistic diversity

SNIPPETS

Elephant tramples 4 to death in J’khand

RANCHI, FEB 20

(IANS): A wild elephant that got separated from its herd has trampled four persons including two women, to death in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district in a span of 12 hours, an official said on Monday. When the elephant entered Masiyatu village on Sunday evening, the people tried to shoo it away, which apparently angered the animal, who then attacked Muniya Devi and wrapped her in its trunk. The elephant then went on to attack three more persons near Kaspur village on Monday morning.

Chinese drone seized in Punjab

CHANDIGARH, FEB 20 (IANS): The Border Security Force (BSF) said that it recovered a Chinese Quadcopter drone in Punjab’s Fazilka district on Monday. On specific information, teams of the BSF and Punjab Police launched a search operation in the area of New Hasta Kalan village, and recovered the Quadcopter drone (DJI Matrice 300 RTK), made in China, from an open area on the outskirts of the village. The BSF in coordination with Punjab Police once again was able to capture a rogue drone, it added.

20 vehicles collide on Lucknow-Delhi highway due to fog

LUCKNOW, FEB 20

(IANS): About 20 vehicles collided in an accident on the Delhi-Lucknow highway due to dense fog on Monday. According to reports, the visibility was poor and many car drivers jumped onto the wrong side and ended up colliding with other vehicles. The injured have been admitted to the hospital.

Prison inmate swallows mobile

PATNA, FEB 20 (IANS):

An inmate of Bihar’s Gopalganj district prison swallowed a cell phone to avoid being caught during a checking, an official said. The incident came to light on Sunday after Qaisher Ali, who was booked under NDPS act, complained of severe abdominal pain.

During the medical checkup, he informed the jail doctor and other officials that he had swallowed a mobile phone to avoid being caught during checking of his cell. The authorities then got a medical checkup conducted and x-ray of his stomach revealed the presence of foreign particles.

Woman, daughter booked for killing husband

JHANSI, FEB 20 (IANS):

In a shocking incident, a woman killed her alcoholic husband when he allegedly assaulted her and threatened to rape her daughter.

Police said a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered against the accused woman and her daughter, who was also involved in the killing. The woman informed the police that her husband worked as a labourer in Panipat and had recently come to the village on leave.

Two shot dead in Karnataka

CHIKKAMAGALUR, FEB 20 (IANS): In a shocking incident, two persons were shot dead at Kandya near Balehonnur in Chikkamagalur district of Karnataka on Monday. The deceased have been identified as 28-year-old Prakash and 30-year-old Praveen. According to police, the accused had shot the victims with a countrymade rifle, when they were going on a bike. The police have taken the accused Ramesh into custody in connection with the incident and are investigating.

Dissolve Election Commission: Thackeray

THACKERAY FACTION MOVES SC CHALLENGING EC DECISION ON SHIV SENA NAME, SYMBOL

MUMBAI, FEB 20 (PTI/ IANS): Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Monday demanded that the Election Commission of India, which ruled that the Eknath Shinde-led faction is the real Shiv Sena, should be dissolved.

“The name (Shiv Sena) and symbol (bow and arrow) of our party have been stolen, but the name ‘Thackeray’ cannot be stolen,” he told reporters at Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar here. Thackeray’s media briefing came after the Supreme Court, earlier in the day, refused to entertain an oral mentioning made by his faction to urgently list its plea challenging the EC decision.

“The Election Commission’s order is wrong. Supreme Court is the last ray of hope,” Thackeray said.

“There is not a single instance where the party name and symbol were directly given to one faction,” Thackeray said.

“What was the need for the EC to give this deci-

sion in a hurry?” the former Maharashtra chief minister said. “Even if the other faction took our name and symbol, they can’t take our Thackeray name. I was lucky to be born to the family of Balasaheb Thackeray,” he said.

Accusing the BJP of destroying democracy with the help of democratic institutions, Thackeray said, “What the BJP did with us today, they can do it with anyone. If this continues, after 2024, there won’t be any democracy or election in the country,” he said. He said he had received

calls in support from Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Nitish Kumar and many other leaders. Thackeray said he had never left Hindutva, though he was accused of doing so when he ended his decades-old alliance with the BJP in 2019.

Thackeray said that during the Assembly bypoll in Andheri, his party candidate had used the name given by the Election Commission. The other faction didn’t even have the courage of fighting that bypoll, he added.

Asked about reports of his camp transferring funds from Shiv Sena’s official bank accounts, Thackeray said, “The EC has no right to speak on what happens to the party funds and it cannot act like a sultan. Its role is limited only to holding fair elections and ensuring internal democracy within a political party.” The poll panel will attract a criminal case, if it dabbles in party funds distribution, he said.

A comment by Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeting bete-noire, the Shiv Sena (UBT) President, Uddhav Thackeray has kicked up an unholy fracas, plummeting political discourse to another depth in Maharashtra, on Monday.

Speaking at a function to mark the 393rd birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Pune on Sunday, Shah slammed Thackeray for the umpteenth time on the alleged backstabbing after the 2019 Assembly elections.

“First, he fought the elections with (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi’s

Kushwaha quits JD(U) again, floats yet another party

nahin banenge’ (I cannot barter my conscience for perks)”. He alleged that Kumar, his political benefactor, had “pawned his political capital (‘rajneetik sampatti ko girwi rakh diya’) by having hinted that Tejashwi Yadav shall be the future leader of the coalition”, which JD(U) had joined nearly six months ago.

Case against Raut for derogatory remarks against Maha CM

NASHIK, FEB 20 (PTI):

photos on posters and banners, and jointly with Devendra Fadnavis. After the elections, in the greed for power, he licked the soles of people with opposing ideology...,” thundered Shah, without naming Congress-Nationalist Congress Party.

Referring to the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s decision declaring the group led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the ‘real’ Shiv Sena, Shah said that “now they (Thackeray group) have been shown their true place”.

Smarting under Shah’s ‘sucker-kick’ remark, Sena (UBT) Chief Spokesperson and MP Sanjay Raut hit back: “What is Shinde doing now... Who is he sucking up to now...? They are traitors and thieves. Deals worth over Rs 2,000 crore have taken place for grabbing the ‘Shiv Sena’ name and ‘Bow-and-Arrow’ symbol...”

Nashik Police have registered a case against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, an official said on Monday.

Shinde faction officer-bearer Yogesh Beldar lodged a complaint at Panchavati police station here late Sunday night, alleging that during an interaction with a TV channel, Raut used derogatory words against CM Shinde and maligned his image, he said.

Based on the complaint, a case has been registered against Raut under Indian Penal Code Section 500 (defamation), the official said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit to Pune on Saturday, said those who chose to “lick the soles” of people with opposite ideologies have found which side truth was on after the Election Commission declared the

faction headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the real Shiv Sena and gave it the ‘bow and arrow’ symbol.

When asked about Shah’s remark, Rajya Sabha member Raut on Sunday said, “What is the present chief minister licking? Maharashtra doesn’t give importance to what Shah says.” Raut in a tweet on Sunday also claimed that a “deal of Rs 2000 crore” has taken place so far to “purchase” the Shiv Sena party name and its ‘bow and arrow’ symbol, a charge dismissed by the Shinde faction and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

PATNA, FEB 20 (PTI): Disgruntled JD(U) leader Upendra Kushwaha on Monday resigned from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), less than two years after returning to the party, and announced formation of the ‘Rashtriya Loktantrik Janata Dal’.

JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias “Lalan”, however, berated the former parliamentary board chairman as an over-ambitious party-

hopper, whose return was “opposed by all, but materialised only at the insistence of the CM” whom Kushwaha had assured “I will now live and die here”. Kushwaha, who has been venting spleen against Kumar for some time, also announced that he will be seeking an appointment with chairman of the legislative council to resign from his membership of the House, adding with rhetorical flourish “‘zameer bechkar amir

No one in India votes on the basis of candidates’ edu qualifications: SC

clared null and void as he had indulged in corrupt practices by not disclosing his correct educational qualifications.

NEW DELHI, FEB 20

(PTI): No one in India

votes on the basis of the candidates’ educational qualifications, the Supreme Court observed on Monday while dismissing a plea against the election of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s

(BJP) Harsh Vardhan Bajpayee to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 2017.

A bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna said most voters do not look at a candidate’s educational background before exercising their franchise.

“No one votes on the basis of educational qualifications in our country anyway,” the bench observed orally.

The remarks came while the bench was hearing a plea moved by Congress leader Anugrah Narayan Singh, seeking that Bajpayee’s election be de-

The Allahabad High Court rejected Singh’s plea in September 2022 on the ground of being infructuous as Bajpayee’s term had already ended in 2022.

“Though allegations of corrupt practice were levelled against the respondent but the same are not supported by material facts and unimpeachable documents, apart from the fact that the said allegations do not amount to corrupt practice,” the high court had said.

Lalan, however, pointed out that Kushwaha, who then headed the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), had aligned with the RJD after quitting the NDA in 2018, “and he appeared to be fine with Tejashwi Yadav back then”. The JD(U) chief also rubbished Kushwaha’s allegation that Kumar, the party’s de facto leader, no more exercised his own judgement, but acted on the advice of a coterie with vested interests.

“Had it been so, Kush-

waha could have never returned to the JD(U) in 2021. Not a single person was in favour of his return, since all knew about his vaulting ambition that causes him to go astray. But, the CM put his foot down since he trusted Kushwaha’s declamation –‘jeena marna ab sab yaheen hai’,” Lalan said. “The problem is Kushwaha cannot think of anything less than the chief minister’s chair for himself. This had led him to quit the NDA and fancy his chances with the RJD-led ‘Mahagathbandhan’. “He could not stay there as well and ahead of 2020 assembly polls, he formed a hurried coalition with Mayawati’s BSP and Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM just because these parties agreed to announce him the chief ministerial candidate,” the JD(U) chief said.

Cong, oppn must adopt giveand-take, humility for unity: PC

to be the pole around which opposition unity in the Lok Sabha elections can be built.

WB govt employees on 48 hrs bandh for DA regularisation

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (PTI): All parties, including the Congress, must approach the task of forging opposition unity for the 2024 general elections with a spirit of give-and-take and humility, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said on Monday, urging everyone to discard their state-level lens and wear an all-India one for the polls. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Chidambaram said an objective analysis of the political situation will lead to the conclusion that the Congress has

Asked if the Congress has to be the fulcrum of any Opposition alliance to take on the BJP in the 2024 elections, he said there is a growing realisation that opposition parties must forge a united front in order to take on the BJP.

“Each party has its own strength and brings to the table a certain value. There is also an acknowledgement that barring the Congress all other opposition parties are single-state parties,” the former Union minister said. “I think an objective analysis of the political situation will lead to the conclusion that the Congress has to be the pole around which opposition unity in the LS election can be built.” he asserted.

Sisodia to appear before CBI in liquor policy case

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has been asked to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation on Sunday for questioning in the nowwithdrawn liquor policy of Delhi, which the Central agency is investigating, reports NDTV news desk.

Sisodia was expected to be questioned yesterday, but he sought more time, citing the Delhi budget due in March on which he is working. Sisodia handles the finance portfolio in the Arvind Kejriwal government. Agreeing to his request, the agency had said that it would announce a fresh date. Sisodia said the

summons for questioning was the BJP’s way of getting even after it failed in its attempt to get nominated members to vote in Delhi’s civic body and thereby control the Mayor elections.

On Friday, the Supreme Court had said the aldermen appointed by the Lieutenant Governor cannot vote in the election to choose a mayor, ending the month-long tussle between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP on the issue.

“The BJP can get me

request,” Sisodia had told NDTV.

“I will answer every question, am not running away... I am just saying that the work of the budget will be derailed... That’s why I have requested the CBI for time till the end of February,” he had added.

arrested as revenge if they want to, but not by stopping the budget of Delhi’s people... The BJP may have its own politics, but I have full hope that the CBI officers will listen to my

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KOLKATA, FEB 20 (PTI): West Bengal government employees of different departments stuck to their decision to hold a 48-hour strike from Monday for DA parity with the central government, ignoring government warning of action against them. They are also demanding corruption free appointment. State government employees organisations, like the ‘Sangrami Joutha Mancha’ (United Struggle Platform), joined the cease work in different departments in the Writers’ Buildings, New Secretariat, in courts, schools and other educational institutions in the city as well as in Siuri, Birbhum, Medinipur, Nadia, Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, Hooghly and other districts.

“We are sticking to our decision on the ceasework for regularisation of dearness allowance and corruption free appointments. We are shocked with the state government’s decision of a three per cent hike in the DA. We will continue with our agitation,” said a protestor at the food and supplies department here.

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Uddhav Thackeray (PTI)

Shah’s ‘licking soles’ remark kicks up fresh political row

Amit Shah

Sanjay Raut

Upendra Kushwaha addresses a press conference and announced his new political outfit ‘RLJD’, in Patna. (PTI)

P Chidambaram

Manish Sisodia

Petrol, diesel can be brought under GST : FM

JAIPUR, FEB 20 (IANS):

Union Finance Minister

Nirmala Sitharaman Monday said that petrol and diesel can be brought under the GST ambit if the GST council takes a call.

She was in Jaipur to attend the post-budget press conference where she answered at length on questions related to petrol-diesel prices, inflation, rising repo rates, among other issues.

Answering a query on bringing petrol and diesel under the GST purview, she said, “Petrol and diesel can be taken under the GST if the GST council, which is not governed by any one government but finance ministers of all states, takes the call. “The Centre government has made its intent clear by saying that we will put it as an item under

CEM ready to facilitate debate between BJP & Cong on Feb 23

(From p-1)

Meanwhile, Naleo said CEM appreciated Congress’s position that any debate on the manifesto would be “pointless, meaningless and a waste of time” unless there was a clarification by BJP on the three issues – i) its 2018 slogan “Election for Solution”; ii) whether it was ready to give a categorical assurance to the people of Nagaland that BJP government would not disturb Article 371(A) of the Indian constitution in letter and spirit; iii) and whether it would dissociate from and condemn the statement made by one of RSS front organisations and Assam-based Janajati Dharma-Sanskriti Suraksha Manch (JDSSM) demanding removal of ST status from people who had embraced Christianity.

GST. Now the GST council should take a call and let there be an ‘open charcha’.”

On the Congress’ allegations of vindictive approach, the finance minister said, “Investigative agencies like ED, CBI and others do a huge big homework for quite some time and when they have necessary prime facie material in their hands, after having sent a number of questionnaires and getting partial complete, or no re-

Domestic aviation traffic continues growth

NEW DELHI,

FEB 20

GDP to grow 7% in FY23: Acuite Ratings

Prohibitory orders clamped in Thonoknyu

(From p-1)

ply, they go. It can’t be done overnight by any instinct.”

“It’s strange that a party’s past presidents, on money matters or corruption are all out on bail and that is through courts. And they speak of vindictive politics. “Each agency going there has been bringing tangible material... some of which has been pictured by the media. Instead of accusing people of vindictiveness, they should explain to people and its own plenary as to why their people are out on bail by the court.” She said, “The Congress party should not speak at all on corruption, and then bring in the matter of vindictiveness. It is a shame, one after the other, every Congress government has come and gone out of power on the issues related to corruption,” she said.

(IANS): Domestic aviation traffic has continued to witness a massive growth as passengers carried by domestic airlines during January 2023 were 1.25 crore as against 64.08 lakhs during the corresponding period of previous year thereby registering an annual growth of 95.72 per cent and monthly growth of 95.72 per cent.

According to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday, the passenger load factor or occupancy of the airlines remained on the higher side in the range of 80 to 90 per cent.

The newly-launched Akasa Air marked an 82.8 per cent occupancy during January.

SpiceJet recorded the highest occupancy of 91 per cent, while Indigo wit-

nessed 82 per cent. Air India and Go First followed with 87.5 per cent and 90.9 per cent of occupancy, respectively.

Industry sources said that the data reflects the restoration of normalcy in the aviation sector. The government has gradually done away with various restrictions in the last few months.

The country’s major airports have witnessed a higher number of air passengers in the last couple of months.

Domestic air traffic has already crossed the mark of 4 lakh passengers per day and during weekends it generally reaches more than 4 lakh.

Many airports during December 2022 had witnessed massive rush due to increased air passenger traffic

NDPP-BJP will solve all Naga problems: HM

(From p-1) Eastern region and pointed out that the BJP government had resolved several issues faced by the North Eastern states like the Bru, Reang issue, decades old Bodo issue, Karbi Anglong agreement etc.

Shah, therefore, assured that he along with Prime Minister Modi have been pursuing to resolve the Naga issue at the earliest.

He maintained that under the Modi-led government, the North Eastern region has witnessed a reduction in insurgency related issues by over 70%.

So also, he said the Centre had removed AFSPA from 15 police stations areas in seven districts of Nagaland.

Further taking a swipe at the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah said, “After 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Congress won’t be visible even through a telescope.”

Shah alleged that the tendency of the Congress

leaders to indulge in mudslinging against Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased since Rahul Gandhi became its leader. Shah strongly condemned a Congress spokesperson’s choice of words for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said the standard of opposition party’s members is falling by the day since Rahul Gandhi became its leader.

“The kind of language the Congress spokesperson has used (for PM) and the sort of reaction it has drawn from people from across the country... you will see Rahul Gandhi that the Congress will not be visible even through telescope after the Lok Sabha polls in 2024. People will respond through the ballot box,” Shah said.

Addressing the gathering, chief minister Neiphiu Rio thanked union home minister Amit Shah for his taking his time to address the joint election campaign rally of the NDPP-BJP in Mon Town.

He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for their keen interest in resolving the decades old Naga political issue. Rio hoped that with Modi and Shah in power at the Centre, the Naga issue would be resolved.

He also noted that it was through Amit Shah’s initiative that the issue of ENPO’s demand for separate statehood was taken up and accordingly ENPO had agreed to revoke their decision to abstain from taking part in the ensuing election.

Rio hoped that the issued would be resolved after the assembly election.

“The State government will give full cooperation for the development of ENPO areas. And whatever government of India decides, we will be a partner and see that they catch up with the rest of the State and the country,” Rio assured.

Rio expressed gratitude to the Central lead -

ership for respecting the Nagas to be a major partner by deciding to let NDPP contest in 40 seats and BJP-20.

Though the UDA government had done a lot during the past five years in power, Rio said there were still more to do and was hopeful that in the next term they would achieve the goals and take the people forward.

Rio was confident that the alliance would win at least 45-50 seats.

Host of BJP leaders including party’s North East in-charge Rituraj Sinha, national spokesperson (i/c Nagaland) Nalin Kohli, Rajya Sabha MP S. Phangnon Konyak, who also translated Shah’s speech in Hindi to Nagamese.

Earlier, Shah was accorded a warm welcomed by Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, Konyak Union, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khung, Konyak Students’ Union and the citizens of Mon.

NEW DELHI, 20 (AGENCIES): Acuite Ratings and Research on Monday maintained India’s FY23 gross domestic product (GDP) growth estimate at 7 per cent.

According to ET online, the credit rating agency, however, projected the country’s economic growth trajectory in FY24 to slow down to 6 per cent. India would still be one of the highest growth economies in the world, it said.

As per Acuite Ratings, the Indian economy has managed to withstand the headwinds rather well over past several months despite tough global environment.

“Domestic growth impulses have gained strength, as urban consumption continues to push demand for both goods and services with derivative support accruing from the government capex cycle which has got a further boost from the Union Budget 2023,” Acuite Ratings said. Private investments remain somewhat confined, unsurprisingly in an environment of heightened global uncertainty although the higher credit growth reflects the start of a trickle, it said.

Rupee gains 10 paise to close at 82.72 against USD

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (PTI): The rupee appreciated by 10 paise to close at 82.72 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, as the American currency retreated from its elevated levels.

Forex traders said a muted trend in domestic equities and foreign fund outflows weighed on investor sentiments and restricted the appreciation bias.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.69 against the American currency and finally settled at 82.72 (provisional) against the greenback, registering a gain of 10 paise over its previous close of 82.82.

During the trading session, the rupee touched a high of 82.62 and a low of 82.74 against the dollar.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.04 per cent to 103.90 .

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures advanced 1.05 per cent to USD 83.87 per barrel. “Rupee traded strong near 82.75 as dollar index traded below USD 104 guiding rupee strength.

Further, the order stated no political party would be permitted to hold rallies or meetings in the said location during the enforcement of the prohibitory order.

However, the police, security forces, magistrates on duty, fire and emergency services, educational/financial institutions, and departments/ agencies assisting the district administration would be exempted from the restrictions.

KTC condemns poll violence

Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) has strongly condemned the reported election-related violence that took place at Thonoknyu under Noklak district.

In a press release, KTC president M Thangou and general secretary NSM Pakhiu reminded all responsible that election should be fought within the parameters of democracy and in the interest and welfare of the people. KTC asserted that there was no room for violence in democracy. KTC also called upon the election authorities, district administration and police to take strict measures to ensure peaceful polling. KTC has assured to extend its full support in maintaining peaceful atmosphere.

Meanwhile, KTC has directed all the contesting parties to strictly adhere to the joint notification of KTC, KSU & KMH issued on February 7, 2023 for allowing free and fair election.

Prices of cereals to be about 15% higher: CRISIL

CHENNAI, FEB 20

(IANS): The prices of cereals are expected to be 14-15 per cent higher next fiscal as compared with the past five year average, said (CRISIL) Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited. in a report. The reason? Vagaries of climate change, strong global demand, and rise in domestic demand.

Even in the current fiscal, cereal prices have risen significantly on-year in the first ten months. While prices of wheat and paddy rose 8-11 per cent, those of maize, jowar and bajra jumped 27-31 per cent, the report notes.

CRISIL expects wheat production to be higher in the current rabi season. Despite the continued ban on exports and discontinuation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana from January 2023 (free foodgrain scheme announced in April 2020) which are expected to bring the stock position up to a comfortable level compared with the previous year. The above measures

will put a downward pressure on wheat prices for fiscal 2024, the report said.

According to CRISIL, for key kharif crops such as paddy, maize, bajra and jowar, production for next fiscal is anticipated to be higher, too, provided monsoons are normal and well-spread.

However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a about 49 per cent chance of El Nino impact on south-west monsoon between June-July 2023 and 57 per cent between July-September, the report notes.

“This remains a key monitorable, as it might impact rainfall for kharif and lead to drought conditions, as happened during the previous strong El Nino year (2015) when the southwest monsoon was 14 per cent below normal and kharif cereal production declined 2-3 per cent onyear,” CRISIL said.

Nirmala Sitharaman

SNIPPETS

15 killed, 60 injured as bus veers off road in Pakistan

LAHORE, FEB 20 (PTI):

A speeding bus carrying a wedding party veered off the road before falling in a ravine in Pakistan’s Punjab province, killing at least 15 people and wounding 60 others, authorities said on Monday. The bus, travelling from Islamabad to Lahore, overturned late on Sunday in the Kallar Kahar Salt Range region, some 240 km from Lahore. The bus was carrying people returning from a wedding ceremony. Rescue 1122 emergency service attributed brake failure as the apparent reason for the accident.

Putin was ‘dead wrong’: Biden says on surprise visit to Ukraine

other delivery of critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments,” he was quoted as saying in a White House statement.

Take steps to function as a country:

IMF tells cash-starved Pakistan

Ukraine is estimated to be burning through thousands more shells each month than the EU defence industry is currently able to produce.

Zelensky hailed Biden’s visit as a key sign of support.

Bidenpledgesnew$500million militaryaidpackageforUkraine

revenues. Those who can, those that are making good money [in the] public or private sector need to contribute to the economy.

“Secondly, to have a fairer distribution of the pressures by moving subsidies only towards the people who really need it. It shouldn’t be that the wealthy benefit from subsidies,” she said.

4

killed, 13 hurt in suspected firecracker blast in Indonesia

JAKARTA, FEB 20

(IANS): A huge explosion at a village house in Blitar city of Indonesia’s East Java Province killed four and injured dozens in the area on Sunday evening, the local police said on Monday. The victims killed in the blast were all from the same family, a father with his two children and a nephew, Blitar police chief Argo Wiyono told local media, adding that the blast also injured at least 13 villagers and damaged more than 20 houses in the area, Xinhua news agency reported. The police have suspected the explosion was caused by the firecrackers made by the father ahead of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.

KYIV, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): US President Joe Biden on Monday made a surprise trip to Kyiv, promising increased arms deliveries for Ukraine and unflagging support ahead of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country.

Air raid sirens rang out across the capital as Biden met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on what is the US president’s first visit to the country since Russian troops invaded on February 24, 2022.

Uniformed Ukrainian

military officers lined the street just outside. Biden and Zelensky walked over and together laid a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance for the fallen heroes of the Russian-Ukrainian war, as a military salute played and the two presidents stared down in silence for a few moments.

Biden promised increased arms deliveries for Ukraine and vowed Washington’s “unflagging commitment” in defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

“I will announce an -

US President Joe Biden has discussed longrange weapons and a new military aid package with his Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. Biden, who made an unannounced wartime visit to Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, barely days ahead of the first anniversary of Russian invasion, said Ukraine will get additional military aid package worth $500 million from the US.

After the meeting, Zelenskyy said the military support and more details will be announced on Tuesday. The White House in a

statement said that the package will include HIMARS ammunition, anti-armour systems and air surveillance radars.

Additional sanctions will also be placed on Russia, and companies that are trying to “evade or backfill Russia’s war machine”.

“Over the last year, the United States has built a coalition of nations from the Atlantic to the Pacific to help defend Ukraine with unprecedented military, economic, and humanitarian support – and that support will endure,” Biden said in a statement.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 20 (PTI): Cash-strapped Pakistan must take steps to ensure that its high earners pay taxes and only the poor get the subsidies if it wants to function as a country, the International Mone tary Fund has said, amid looming fears of a default.

In an interview with the German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Friday, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said Pakistan needs to take strong measures to avoid getting into a “dangerous place” where its debt needs to be restructured. She said the IMF was

Turkiye rejects links between NATO expansion, F-16 deal

ANKARA

(TURKIYE),

FEB 20 (AP): U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday called for Sweden and Finland to be accepted into NATO “as quickly as possible,” although his Turkish counterpart dismissed the possibility of any link between their accession and Turkiye’s request for F-16 fighter jets.

very clear that it wanted the poor people of Pakistan to be protected, the Dawn newspaper reported, “It shouldn’t be that the wealthy benefit from subsidies. It should be the poor [who] benefit from them,” she said.

“What we are asking for are steps Pakistan needs to take to be able to function as a country and not to get into a dangerous place where its debt needs to be restructured,” she said.

Pakistan was devastated by last year’s flash floods that affected one-third of its population, she said.

“I want to stress that we are emphasising two things. Number one: Tax

The IMF chief’s statement came days after the two sides concluded the ninth review of the USD 6.5 billion bailout package without a staff-level agreement after 10 days of talks. However, both sides agreed to a set of measures that could still help clinch the deal.

Pakistan, which is in dire need of funds as it battles a wrenching economic crisis, has received financial assistance from the IMF in the past and is presently in discussions with the organisation to resume its loan programme.

An agreement on the ninth review of the programme would release over USD 1.1 billion.

Pak ministers warn Alvi not

to

turn

President House into blackmailing den

9 killed in

Houthi rebels’ attack on gov’t forces in Yemen

ADEN (YEMEN) FEB

20 (IANS): Nine people were killed in Yemen after Houthi rebel militants launched an overnight attack on sites of the government forces in the northern province of al-Jawf, a military official said on Monday. “Heavy armed confrontations took place between the government forces and the Houthi fighters in Abtar area and other adjacent areas bordering Saudi Arabia late on Sunday night, killing at least four soldiers and five rebels,” the local military official said on condition of anonymity, Xinhua news agency reported.

Death toll from NZ’s cyclone Gabrielle

increases to 11

WELLINGTON, FEB 20

(IANS): Eleven people have been reported dead, with more than 3,200 people still unaccounted for as serach and rescue operations continue in New Zealand after cyclone Gabrielle lashed the North Island last week. More fatalities are possible, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told media, adding that the government discussed initial recovery plans on Monday, with the cost of the recovery estimated to be about NZ$13 billion ($8 billion), reports Xinhua news agency.

Taliban shuts down border point with Pak

KABUL, FEB 20 (IANS):

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has ordered the shut down of one of the country’s main trading and border crossing points with Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of reneging on its commitments. The Afghan Taliban commissioner for Torkham said the border point had been closed down for travel and transit trade, reports Dawn news.

“Pakistan has not abided by its commitments and so the gateway has been shut down on the directions of (our) leadership,” Taliban commissioner at Torkham Maulavi Mohammad Siddique tweeted.

Turkiye has delayed the Nordic countries’ admission to the trans-Atlantic defense alliance, citing concerns over terrorism. Meanwhile,

members of the U.S. Congress have tied approval of the F-16 deal to Ankara retracting its opposition to the NATO enlargement.

Heavy rains leave 36 dead in Brazil, cities cancel Carnival

“We’re confident that NATO will formally welcome them in soon,” Blinken told a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minis-

ter Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara. “And when that happens, it will enhance the security of every NATO member, including the United States, including Turkiye.” Cavusoglu repeated Turkiye’s stance that it would be willing to approve Finland joining NATO before Sweden. Turkiye has complained about what it sees as Stockholm’s tolerance of support for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which has waged a 39-year insurgency against Ankara.

“Unfortunately PKK supporters are still present in Sweden,” he said. “They are recruiting people and they are financing terror acts and they are carrying out terror propaganda in Sweden … because they don’t want Sweden to become a NATO member.” While acknowledging that Sweden had made constitutional changes in a bid to satisfy Turkiye’s demands, he said that more needed to be done to “convince our parliament and people.”

ISLAMABAD, FEB 20 (IANS): Two Pakistani Ministers on Monday warned President Arif Alvi from turning the President’s House into a den for blackmailing after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) refused to participate in a meeting he had summoned for today.

The Election Commission, in a letter to President Alvi, stated that the issue of fixing the election date is subjudice and it cannot be part of this process led by the President, Geo News reported.

RESIGNATION FROM NPF PARTY

I, the undersigned would like to state that, I joined the NPF Party in 2002 with a big dream and vision for all round development of the state. Since then, I have worked to the best of my capability to strengthen the party and helped in enrolling the NPF party workers in 19 A/C Phek over the past years. It is a fact that the NPF party in the 19 A/C Phek is one of the strongest party.

However, after seeing various pro-people programs of the present Government under the visionary leadership of Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, I have decided to join the NDPP and support Shri. Kupota Khesoh, NDPP Candidate of 19 A/C Phek.

Therefore, I hereby tender my resignation from the NPF party with immediate effect.

My sincere apologies if I have hurt anyone (unintentionally) during my association with the NPF party for the past 21 years.

(VEZOTO JACK DOZO)

1. Former PS to Chairman, PAC & DAN

2. Former Official PS to Minister (Agri/Printing & Stationery)

SAO PAULO, FEB 20

(AP): Heavy rain caused flooding and landslides that have killed 36 people in Brazil’s north Sao Paulo state, officials said Sunday, and the fatalities could rise.

Sao Paulo state government said in a statement that 35 died in the city of Sao Sebastiao and a 7-year-old girl was killed in neighbouring Ubatuba. The cities of Sao Sebastiao, Ubatuba, Ilhabela and Bertioga, some of the hardest hit and now under state of calamity, cancelled their Carnival festivities as rescue teams struggle to find missing, injured and feared dead in the rubble.

“Our rescue teams are not managing to get to several locations; it is a chaotic situ-

ation,” said Felipe Augusto, the mayor of Sao Sebastiao. Later, he added there are dozens of people missing and that 50 houses collapsed in the city due to the landslides.

Augusto posted on social media several videos of widespread destruction in his city, including one of baby being rescued by locals lined up on a flooded street.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Twitter he will visit the region Monday. Sao Paulo state government said in a statement that precipitation in the region has surpassed 600 millimetres (23.6 inches) in one day, one of the highest amounts ever in Brazil in such a short period.

Switzerland sweetens trade deal as top officials travel for EFTA

BERN (SWITZERLAND), FEB 20 (PTI): Switzerland has offered to make some concessions as it seeks to put talks on the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) trade deal on the fast track, hoping to seal it this year as the two countries celebrate 75 years of their friendship treaty.

The European Free Trade Association is a free trade area between four countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland -- and the trade deal negotiations have lingered on for over 15 years.

Helene Budliger,

State Secretary in the

the

State

Secretariat of Economic Affairs and Niklaus Samuel Gugger, the Indian-origin member of the Swiss Parliament, are travelling to India for meetings with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, their second meeting in three weeks to push for an early conclusion of the negotiations on the trade deal.

Officials said there are three sticking points in the trade talks – migration issues, intellectual property rights and healthcare.

Top representatives of leading Swiss companies are also travelling with Budliger.

OFFICE

The declaration released by RPI ‘A’ 51 A/c Noksen resigned from NDPP dated: 18 th Feb 2023 is totally baseless. As such, those signatories were expelled from NDPP on 14th Oct 2022 for their Anti-Party activities. The action was taken to defaulters according to party norms & articles. So, they are no more active members of NDPP 51

3. Former Official PS to Minister (Health & Family Welfare)

4. Former Official PS to Minister, PWD (R&B) & Parl. Affairs.

OFFICE OF THE WOKHA DISTRICT VILLAGE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN ASSOCIATION

WOKHA : NAGALAND

Govt. Regd. : No-Home/SRC-6542

AppEAL

The Wokha District Village Council Chairman Association is pained by the spate of violence, threat, intimidation, vandalism and arson, threatening the peaceful atmosphere and existence of the people of Wokha District at large. Having serious concern for the welfare of the people and due indulgence to the Model Code of Conduct and Election Commission of India Directives for the ensuing 14th General Election in the State of Nagaland 2023, the WDVCCA in all humility put forth this appeal to all the Political Parties contesting in the 4 (four) Assembly Constituencies under Wokha District to adhere to the MCC and ECI directives in letter and spirit for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming election in true democratic principles of free and fair election without fear and fervor.

Thus, the following appeals are hereby enunciated for the Political Parties and its supporters for strict compliance.

1. The Model Code of conduct be strictly adhered to and instruct its supporters accordingly.

2. The Political Parties, its candidates and supporters should refrain such acts of intimidation, threat and terrorizing the public which are injurious to peaceful coexistence.

3. Acts of vandalism, arson on properties and physical assault to the people should be stopped forthwith.

Any Political Party, candidate and supporters, who blatantly ignore this appeal with disregard, the WDVCCA will be tasked to enforce its agenda of free and fair election by taking punitive actions on the perpetrators.

Sd/-

Yankhosao Ezung

Vice President President

Joe Biden, right, meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mariinsky Palace on an unnanounced visit. (AP)

talks

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu before their meeting. (AP/PTI)

A hillside is exposed after flooding triggered deadly landslides near Juquehy beach in Sao Sebastiao. (AP/PTI)

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ triumphs at BAFTA Awards

AGerman remake of anti-war classic “All Quiet on the Western Front” was the big winner at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, triumphing in the key categories at the ceremony seen as an indicator for next month’s Oscars.

Based on the 1928 novel by German author Erich Maria Remarque about the horrors of World War

One from the perspective of a young German soldier, the Netflix drama had led nominations, with 14 nods, making it one of the most recognised films not in the English language in BAFTA’s history.

It won seven awards overall: best film, adapted screenplay, film not in the English language, director for Edward Berger, cinematography, sound and original score.

Cate Blanchett won the leading actress prize for her portrayal of a gay conductor of a Berlin orchestra whose career comes tumbling down due to an abuse scandal in “Tár”, an undertaking she described as “very dangerous and career-ending potentially”.

“Banshees”, about two feuding friends on an island off the coast of Ireland, won outstanding British film, both supporting acting categories for Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan as well as original screenplay.

“Navalny”, about jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, won the documentary category.

Filmmakers dedicated the award to the Navalny family and Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev.

Sandy Powell became the first costume designer to get the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed by the Academy.

The BAFTAs also remembered Britain’s late Queen Elizabeth, who died in September. Actress Helen Mirren, who won both a BAFTA and an Oscar for her portrayal of Elizabeth in 2006 film “The Queen”, led a tribute.

Here are the complete list of winners:

Best Film – All Quiet on the Western Front

Leading Actress – Cate Blanchett, Tar

Leading Actor – Austin Butler, Elvis

Inter-collegiate commerce fest ‘Commvanza’ held at Unity College

Best Director – Edward Berger, All Quiet on the Western Front Best Casting – Elvis Best Cinematography – All Quiet on the Western Front Adapted Screenplay – All Quiet On The Western Front, Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson, Ian Stokell Editing – Everything Everywhere All At Once, Paul Rogers Cinematography – All Quiet On The Western Front, James Friend Best Documentary – Navalny (Daniel Roher)

EE Bafta Rising Star Award –Emma Mackey

Film Not In The English Language – All Quiet On The Western Front Best Costume Design – Catherine Martin, Elvis British Short Film – An Irish Goodbye

Make up & Hair – Elvis; Jason Baird, Mark Coulier, Louise Coulston, Shane Thomas Production design – Babylon; Florencia Martin, Anthony Carlino Sound – All Quiet On The Western Front; Lars Ginzsel, Frank Kruse, Viktor Prášil, Markus Stemler Original Score – All Quiet On The Western Front; Volker Bertelmann

Supporting Actress – Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin

Supporting Actor – Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin

The department of Commerce, Unity College organized its inter-collegiate commerce festival “Commvanza” 2023 on February 18 under the theme “Fostering Sustainability and Equitability”. The events of the festival were - The Entrepreneur, Quiz O Mania, Group Discussion, Turncoat, Shutterbug and Mr. & Ms. Commvanza.

A total of 14 colleges across Nagaland participated in the festival in various events. The overall winner was Unity College and overall runners-up was Dimapur Government College.

The participating colleges were C-Edge College, Mount Mary College, Pranabananda Women’s College, Patkai Christian College, St. Joseph University, MGM College, Dimapur Government College,

Tetso College, Livingstone Foundation International College, S.D. Jain Girls College, City College of Arts and Commerce, Public College, North East Christian University and Unity

College. CEO EduCentre School of Business, Lezo Putsure, graced the festival as the chief guest.

The judges for the events were: Lezo Putsure, assistant professor, School of

Management Studies, Nagaland University, Dr. Ditalak Mpanme, renowned photographer, Yanglem Langti, assistant professor & HoD, Department of English, St. John College Dimapur, Dr. Inakali Assumi and assistant professor, School of Management Studies, Nagaland University, Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bordoloi, was the quiz master. The festival was powered by Diamond Sponsor Kaziranga University, Assam and co-powered by Gold Sponsor The Four Season Hotel. Other sponsors were Flavours Restaurant and Fingerprint, Dimapur.

Metal band ‘Version2’ drops second original

Dimapur based

Metal band “Version2” dropped their second original “Walk The Talk” an Official Music Video on February 20. The band believed that the song will send a strong message to the incoming law makers of the state in particular as election is knocking at the door and the entire state is geared up for the big outcome.

The song speaks about leaders, not to sway away by greed,

Tetso College’s new auditorium Lorin Hall inaugurated

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan says after spending over three decades in the movies his personal likes are “diminishing” and he wants to choose characters “people would like me to play”.

The 57-year-old star, who is basking in the blockbuster success of his latest big screen release “Pathaan”, said with time he has evolved as an actor.

“Now I like to play what I think people would like me to play…I have evolved as an actor I think. My personal likes are diminishing,” Shah Rukh said in response to a fan’s question about his favourite genre during an #AskSRK session on Twitter. “Pathaan”, which released last month, marked the superstar’s first outing in four years in a lead role. The Yash Raj Films project, directed by Siddharth Anand, is inching closer towards Rs 1000 crore mark on the global box office. When one of the users asked him about his routine during his break from the movies, Shah Rukh said: “I just sat at home and watched all the films that I could to become an audience again and not be a movie maker.”

This year, the actor will also be seen in Atleedirected “Jawan” and Rajkumar Hirani’s “Dunki”. Shah Rukh said he is in no mood to slow down and taking retirement from acting is out of the question.

“I will never retire from acting… I will have to be fired… And maybe even then I will come back hotter,” he replied to a fan curious about his replacement as the biggest superstar of Bollywood post his retirement.

While he would continue acting, the actor said he gets “awkward seeing myself on screen”.

When one of the fans from France asked the superstar about his reaction to bringing people of all colours from across the world together through his movies, Shah Rukh said people are always united and a good film just gives them the reason to show the unity.

“All people are actually united..a good film just gives them a reason to show the unity in happiness…” he wrote.

“Pathaan”, also starring John Abraham and Deepika Padukone, features high-octane action sequences. But for Shah Rukh, the most difficult part of the filming was giving “body shots”.

“The body shots… I

was very shy and very cold!” the actor tweeted.

Post “Jawan”and “Dunki”, Shah Rukh said he hasn’t locked any projects.

“I haven’t really started listening to scripts yet. Want to sit back and enjoy the release of these two films and then decide,” he added. Shah Rukh advised his fans to not pay attention to gossip about his future films and wait for him to make the official announcement.

“Not just about #Pathaan 2 but every work of mine I will announce and say it to you guys personally. Please wait for me to tell you the truth, not listen to stupid gossip!” the actor wrote.

(PTI)

Astate of the art audit orium at Tetso College christened Lorin Hall (in memory of its late founder Dr. P.S. Lorin) was inaugurated by NBCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Zelhou Keyho on Monday.

The multipurpose auditorium with a sitting capacity of more the 450 consists of SMD Full Color Concert Stage LED Screen Panel, audio, lighting, and air-conditioned seating will cater to large meetings, talk shows, presentations, and performances of the college.

The grand opening program kicked off with the unveiling of the building plaque and a dedicatory prayer by Rev. Dr Zelhou Keyho, followed by the processional and watering of the Tree of Excellence by various school heads.

Addressing the dignitaries and student congregation, Rev. Dr. Zelhou

Keyho remembered the late founder Dr. P.S. Lorin and the humble beginnings of the college, taking his life as an example of God’s faithfulness.

As a man of service who persevered, Dr. P.S. Lorin embodied the idea that Christian faith demands

deeds and not just words, and that everyone have to take “risks in life to achieve something,”. He exhorted the students to remember the purpose of life and to fulfill a purpose given by God. The College Anthem - Strive For Excellencewas also launched at the programme in a special performance by Tetso Choir with the composer Nise Meruno, acclaimed pianist and Yamaha artist.

worldliness for they have a dedicated leader deep inside and let conscience guides them to lead the

people. Music video can be viewed on their YouTube official channel VERSION2 Nagaland.

Ian Stokell and Lesley Paterson

Participants and judges during the Commvanza fest at Unity College.

(Staff Reporter)

I’ve evolved as an actor, my personal likes are diminishing, says Shah Rukh

Rev. Dr Zelhou Keyho inaugurating the art auditorium at Tetso College. (NP)

Santosh Trophy: Meghalaya enter semi finals

BHUBANESHWAR, FEB 20 (IANS): Meghalaya made history in Indian football on Monday, clinching a maiden entry into the semifinals of the 76th National Football Championship for the Hero Santosh Trophy.

Meghalaya’s dream came true when they beat former champions West Bengal 2-1 in their concluding Group B encounter at the OFA 7th Battalion Ground here and now will vie for the title when the knockout rounds take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Meghalaya thus became the fourth team to book their place in the semis, finishing behind Services, who have already qualified as the toppers of Group B. The two teams that qualified from Group A are Punjab and Karnataka.

Head Coach Syiemlieh’s team started the day knowing that just winning against Bengal would not be enough for them -- they also needed a favour from Services, who were play-

ing Railways at the Capital Football Arena. Having previously beaten Indian Football giants Manipur and thrashed Delhi, Meghalaya needed to win and hoped Railways didn’t.

Bengal were in no mood to succumb easily though and took the lead via Sougata Hansda in the 36th minute. Meghalaya did not let their heads drop, though, and found their reward at the end of the

Titans CC lift 3rd Champions Trophy

Services never want to let their level drop and lose momentum.

Throughout the final round, Railways have employed a low block defence, that sits back and thwarts and frustrates opponents before nicking the goal that will give them the victory. Against Services, their plan did not change. Services kept knocking throughout the first half an hour, and when the floodgates finally opened, the goals burst through.

half, Allen Lyngdoh (44’) and Nikelson Bina (45’+3’) scoring in quick succession to give them the lead.

The second half was played at a slower pace, Meghalaya keen to see the game out without any drama. An injury to Bengal goalkeeper Shubham Roy meant that there would be a lot of added on time, and despite repeated Bengal attempts, an equaliser never arrived.

In the semifinals, Pun-

Bundesliga: Dortmund down Hertha 4-1

build-up work into the roof of the net.

Hertha increased the pressure but couldn’t level the scores as Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was equal to Florian Niederlechner’s dangerous effort in the 51st minute.

Dortmund ceased its actions but still was able to restore its two-goal advantage after Reus curled home a free kick from 20 meters over the wall into the top right corner.

BERLIN, FEB

20 (IANS):

Borussia Dortmund scored two goals in each half to ease past struggling Hertha Berlin 4-1 at the closing of the 21st round. The BVB needed some time to gain a foothold into the clash as Marco Reus’s header marked the first chance of the game with 25 minutes played, reports Xinhua news agency.

Dortmund opened the scoring two minutes later when Karim Adeyemi benefitted from a miscued shot from Reus and tapped the ball past Berlin goalkeeper

Odisha FC captain Delgado extends contract till 2024

NEW DELHI, FEB 20

(IANS): Spanish defender

Ca rlos Delgado has committed his future to Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Odisha FC after signing a contract extension that keeps him at the club till 2024, the franchise announced on Monday.

“Don Carlos Stays,” wrote Odisha FC on Twitter along with the video featuring Delgado. Delgado is a formidable centre-back who has been a rock for Odisha FC since joining the club in the 2019-2020 season. His imposing presence on the pitch, strong aerial ability, and exceptional reading of the game have made him a valuable asset to the club. It is no surprise, then, that the club was keen on extending his stay. His contribution to Odisha FC cannot be overstated. He has significantly impacted the team’s defence and has been a leader on and off the pitch. His strength and agility have helped him win crucial tackles and headers, while his calm and composed demeanour has been an inspiration to his teammates.

As the club looks to build a team for the future, it must retain its core players. In this regard, Carlos is an essential piece of the puzzle.

Oliver Christensen.

The hosts gained momentum and made it two at the half-hour mark after Donyell Malen poked home Adeyemi’s pinpoint cross to the back post from close range.

Hertha tried to pull back but lacked in penetration as only Marc Oliver Kempf came close by header in the 34th minute.

The visitors from the capital caught a perfect start into the second half and halved the deficit against the run of the play as Lucas Tousart hammered Suat Serdar’s good

Hertha Berlin’s resistance was broken whereas Dortmund wasn’t done with the scoring as Julian Brandt finished off a solo run from Jamie BynoeGittens to make it four in the closing stages.

With the win, Dortmund secured its eighth straight win in 2023 and moved equal on points with front runners Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga standings.

Elsewhere, Union Berlin missed the chance to jump atop the standings after sharing the spoils with bottom side Schalke following a goalless stalemate while Mainz overpowered Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 on the road.

jab will face Meghalaya, while Services take on Karnataka. In other matches on Monday, Services thrashed Railways 4-0 while Delhi got the better of Manipur 2-0. Railways needed a win to qualify from Group B into the knockout stage, and facing a Services outfit that had already qualified, they knew they had their task cut out. Teams as fine-tuned and in-form as

Gautam Singh and Adersh Mattumal scored a goal in either half to give their team the win and confirm Railways’ exit.

Meanwhile, Delhi recorded their first victory of the Final Round, beating Manipur in the final game at the Capital Football Arena on Monday. For Manipur, last year’s semifinalists, it was a humbling end to a campaign that promised much more. Ajay Singh’s firsthalf brace was enough for Delhi to wrap up a comfortable victory.

MGM College annual sports week kicks off

DIMAPUR, FEB 20

(NPN): The annual sports week of MGM College commenced on February 20 at SEWAK Ground Midland, Dimapur. A press release issued by media cell, MGM College informed that indoor games of the college were completed on February 17 and 18 at College and MGM HSS. Accordingly, the official sports programme proceeded with prayer and lightning of the lamp. The event was graced by chief engineer SEWAK, Er. Manav Prasad as the chief guest, while guest of honours were OC Troops, Col. Anurag Rawat and office superintendent, Varghese Mathew.

The chief guest

stressed on the importance of sports and honing one’s skills through them. The Principal of MGM College, Fr. Dr. P.S. Varghese in his welcome speech encouraged the students to value the idea of teamwork and team spirit. He also highlighted that “learning is a continuous process, children should learn discipline, punctuality and time management technics from SEWAK officials.” The programme concluded with a power packed dance, oath taking and national anthem. The week-long sports will have athletic items, football, volley ball, basketball games.

Titans Cricket Club members and other after the prize distribution.

DIMAPUR, FEB 20

(NPN): Titans Cricket Club emerged as the champion of the 3rd edition of Champions Trophy after defeating Hurricane Cricket Club by 13 runs in the final on Monday organized by Nagamese Baptist Fellowship Sports Ministry Chumoukedima Village on the theme “pursue oneness”. Taking on Hurricane Cricket Club in the final, Titans CC after winning the toss opted to bat setting a target of 161 runs in 17.1

overs. Chasing the target Hurricane CC fell short by 13 runs.

Titans CC won the match by 13 runs. Pritam from Titans CC grabbed the man of the match for the final match for taking 4 wickets.

The winner won a cash price of Rs. 50,000 and the runners-up got Rs 25,000.

In the individual category, both player of the tournament and highest run scorer was bagged by Ryan

Lama of Hurrican CC for scoring 299 runs and also taking 9 wickets. Highest wickets taker was bagged by Apong of Dimapur Slammers. Best wicket keeper was bagged by Mughavi of Dimapur Slammers, while fair play award was adjudged to team KNG CC. Gracing the closing ceremony as the special guest, Buno Chatsu encouraged all the players not to give up regardless of their win or loss.

Cestoball introduced in Nagaland

DIMAPUR, FEB 20

(NPN): An upcoming internationally recognized game “Cestoball” which has been gaining popularity all over the world including India was introduced for the first time in Nagaland. The first demonstration match was played by the players of Assam Cestoball Association at the premises of Pranabananda Women’s College on February 20. The team was led by Cestoball Federation of India’s national referee, North-East secretary and head coach of Assam Cestoball Association, Azad Saikia. Interested educational institution including schools can contact Pranabananda Women’s College for more information about the game. It may be mentioned Cestoball is an Argentine sport that was created in 1897 by professor Enrique Romero Brest (the father of Physical Education in Argentina) and was first named “Pelota al Cesto” (ball to the goalpost, in Spanish). In 1903, the sport

was included in the teaching of Physical Education syllabuses and in 1986 it adopted its present name after an important change in the regulations was introduced. This made Cestoball a dynamic discipline of high performance. A cestoball team is made up players of either the same or different genders. In Cestoball, different physical qualities are developed, together with the psychological aspects and social

values of the people involved in a game. The only way to play is to pass the ball to teammates with the hands. The infrastructure and equipment needed for its practice are scarce (goalposts, a ball and a court) and they facilitate socialization and integration of a great number of people with little equipment; also, a quite small place for doing this fun activity is enough, so it is ideal for teaching at schools.

We are deeply saddened at the sudden demise of Kevisezo (Sezo) Whuorie on February 15, 2023 at Kohima. He was not only the founding member of Royal Club Kohima but had played a major role in the growth and strength of our Club. A fine gentleman whose invaluable contributions to the Club shall always be remembered and cherished. In his demise, we have lost a mentor, a friend and a great human being. May the Almighty God grant solace and comfort to his loved ones and eternal rest and peace to the departed soul. Royal Club

K348-23

Meghalaya football team squad celebrate after winning their quarter final match.

Hertha BSC’s Filip Uremovic in action with Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. (Reuters)

Cestoball match in progress at Pranabananda Women’s College on Monday.

Students participate in the opening ceremony.

Women’s T20 WC: India beat Ireland; in last 4

GQEBERHA, FEB 20 (IANS): Harmanpreet

Kaur’s India clinched their place in the semifinals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, beating Ireland in a must-win match by via D/L Method in a raininterrupted match.

Having lost to England in a crucial Group B match, India had to beat Ireland on Monday to seal their place in the last four. They managed to put up a decent score of 155/6 in their 20 overs. Ireland were 54/2 in 8.2 overs when rain stopped play. India eventually won the match as Ireland fell short of the revised target by five runs.

Ireland made a solid recovery after two early blows but were behind the DLS par score by five runs as rain interrupted proceedings in Gqeberha.

A mix-up on the very first ball saw Hunter run at the wicketkeeper’s end and Renuka Singh followed up her terrific new ball spell against England by cleaning up Prendergast to put India right on top early on in the second innings.

Gaby Lewis and Laura Delany joined hands, and the pair did remarkably well to not let the required run rate climb too high, taking the team to 44/2 in the Powerplay. How -

ever, the rain came down in Gqeberha, putting a halt on Ireland’s recovery and worryingly for them, they fell

87 but the others failed to contribute big scores as India had to be satisfied with 155/6 in their 20 overs.

Opener Mandhana was at her best on Monday, creaming her drives early on, before clearing the fence three times to up the ante through the middle overs.

Ireland could only send her back in the 19th over and soon followed it up with the wicket of Deepti Sharma on the next ball to peg India back pretty late.

India opted to bat first after winning the toss and got off to a good start with Mandhana playing some crisp strokes. The openers put on a half-century stand before Shafali Verma fell for 24 with Amy Hunter taking a good, low catch in the deep.

Walking in at No.3, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur completed 3000 runs in T20Is, becoming the fourth women’s cricketer to the landmark in this format.

She forged a strong stand with Mandhana, who completed her half-century with a thumping six over midwicket.

behind the DLS par score by five runs.

Earlier, Smriti Mandhana hammered a 56-ball

Carlos Alcaraz clinches Argentina

Open title on season debut

BUENOS AIRES, FEB

20 (IANS): World no 2 Carlos Alcaraz, went more than three months without a competitive match due to abdominal and hamstring injuries, clinched the Argentina Open trophy on his season debut.

In his tournament debut, the Spaniard brushed aside Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie 6-3, 7-5 on Sunday to claim his seventh ATP Tour title and his first since last year’s US Open.

Moreover, the 19-year-old became the first Spaniard to win the Buenos Aires trophy since Rafael Nadal in 2015 and tied Gustavo Kuerten as the highest-ranked winner in tournament history at No. 2 in the ATP Rankings, according to ATP Tour.

Alcaraz started the year as the youngest ever world No. 1, but a hamstring injury forced him to miss the Australian Open,

Carlos Alcaraz

as a result he lost the top spot to Serbian great Novak Djokovic. With Sunday’s win the Spaniard moved within 590 points of No. 1 in the ATP Live Rankings.

The beginning of the first set was an even affair but at 3-3, Alcaraz started to pull away, getting out of second gear, and dominating his opponent with his racquet speed. Norrie was

unable to cope and the Spaniard took the first set 6-3. Alcaraz continued his dominance in the second set, gaining a 3-0 lead on Norrie. The Brit, however, managed to claw his way back to 5-5 after Alcaraz missed the opportunity to win the match with a long serve. But the Spaniard did not lose his cool and secured the final set 7-5 to clinch the title.

Harmanpreet fell in the 16th over, with Orla Prendergast taking a stunner running in from the deep. Laura Delany added another wicket in the same

Strandja Memorial boxing: Nishant off to flying start

NEW DELHI, FEB 20

(IANS): Nishant Dev, the 2022 National champion, kicked off his campaign with a stellar victory at the Strandja Memorial International Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Monday. Squaring off against Wang Peicheng of China in the 71kg bout, Nishant started by showcasing his swift movement and efficiently dodging his opponent’s attacks. The southpaw smartly shifted gears as the bout progressed and utilised his attacking prowess to keep Peicheng at bay.

The Haryana-born boxer was in cruise control throughout the bout, landing powerful, accurate punches to assert dominance over his Chinese counterpart and securing a 5-0 victory by unanimous decision. He will now face the 2020 Olympic Games bronze medallist Aidan Walsh of Ireland in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.

LaLiga leaders Barcelona breeze past Cadiz 2-0

task got much easier in the 74th minute when Celta midfielder Renato Tapia was sent off.

Robin de Normand put the ball into his own net deep into injury time, as he tried to clear a shot from Iago Aspas.

Atletico Madrid 1-0 Athletic Club Bilbao

Atletico Madrid remain fourth after Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute to give his side a 1-0 win at home to Athletic Club Bilbao.

MADRID, FEB 20

(IANS): Two goals in the last three minutes of the first half saw FC Barcelona win 2-0 at home over Cadiz, which keeps them eight points clear at the top of La Liga after 22 rounds.

Sergi Roberto and Robert Lewandowski scored the goals, which gave Barca, with several changes in their starting 11, three vital points, reports Xinhua news agency. Barca were struggling to break down a tough Cadiz defense until the 43rd minute when Ferran Torres

crossed for Lewandowski to head toward the goal. The striker’s header was blocked, but Roberto was on hand to score from close range.

Lewandowski doubled Barca’s lead two minutes later when he worked space to fire home a powerful left shot on the verge of halftime.

Real Madrid 2-0 Osasuna Real Madrid won 2-0 away to Osasuna thanks to late goals from Fede Valverde and Marco Asensio on Saturday night.

Valverde arrived from deep to open the scoring in the 78th minute after being set up by Vinicius Jr. Vinicius had a goal ruled out in the 90th minute for offside, but Asensio doubled Madrid’s lead moments afterward after good work from youngster Alvaro Rodriguez. Real Sociedad 1-1

Celta Vigo Real Sociedad dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at home with Celta Vigo.

Mikel Oyarzabal put Real Sociedad ahead in the fourth minute and their

over, sending back Richa Ghosh for a duck to complete a three-wicket haul.

Ireland, meanwhile, haven’t quite been able to replicate the performance that saw them triumph against Australia in the warm-up match. They have lost all three matches so far but will hope to test the Indian line-up to notch up their first win at the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Harmanpreet Kaur and her team could have taken control of Group 2 and put one foot in the semi-finals with a win over England.

But the failed attempt to chase down 152 temporarily left India’s fate out of their own hands.

But they were handed a huge boost when West Indies successfully defended 116 to beat Pakistan on Sunday. England booked their qualification with that result, and now India clinched their spot by beating Ireland despite the rain interruption.

BRIEF SCORES: India 155/6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 87, Shafali Verma 24; Laura Delany 3-33, Orla Prendergast 2-22) beat Ireland 54/2 in 8.2 overs (Gaby Lewis 32 not out, Laura Delany 19 not out) by five runs (DL Method).

ISSF World Cup: India bags two gold medals on Day-2

CAIRO, FEB 20 (IANS):

India’s 10m Air Rifle

Mixed team of Narmada Nithin Raju and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil and 10m Air Pistol Mixed team of Rhythm Sangwan and Varun Tomar on Monday clinched the gold medals in the ongoing ISSF Rifle and Pistol Shooting World Cup. Indian rifle team trounced Hungary’s Eszter Denes and Istvan Peni 16-6 in the gold medal play-off to bag the top spot on the podium. In the bronze medal contest, the German combination of Lisa Mueller and Maximilian Dallinger got better of Switzerland’s

Nina Christen and Christoph Duerr 16-12.

Earlier in the 38-team qualifications round in the pistol event, India (635.8) and Hungary (631) bagged the top two spots respectively to make it to the gold medal playoff. While Germany and Switzerland were third and fourth with 629.7 and 628.9 respectively.

In the 10m Air Pistol Mixed team event, the pair of Rhythm and Varun Tomar routed Serbians Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec 16-10 to pocket the gold medal. Germany took third place after beating France 16-6 in the bronze medal play-off.

Rhythm and Varun have topped the qualifications with 583-17x followed by Serbia team 58221x in second place to qualify for the gold medal match.

Another Indian team of Divya Subbaraju and Sarabjot Singh missed out on a medal round after finishing fifth with a qualification score of 577-14x.

The 19-year-old Varun also won bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Men event after beating compatriot Sarabjot in a bronze medal shoot-off on Sunday.

India has so far won three medals in the competition (2 golds and a bronze).

Man Utd, Tottenham win in Premier League

LONDON, FEB 20 (IANS): Manchester United confirmed their candidacy for the Premier League title thanks to a 3-0 home win over Leicester City.

Marcos Rashford continued his impressive run of form, with goals in the 25th and 56th minute of the game, with Jadon Sancho scoring Man Utd’s third goal, although David de Gea had a good claim to be named Man of the Match after a series of impressive saves to assure a clean sheet, reports Xinhua news agency.

The result leaves Erik ten Hag’s side just three points behind neighbors Manchester City and five behind league leaders Arsenal. Tottenham moved into fourth place ahead of Newcastle United, who lost 2-0 at home to Liverpool on Saturday, after a much-improved second half display saw them to a 2-0 win at home over West Ham.

Emerson Royale put

Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, left, celebrates with Tottenham’s Harry Kane after scoring his side’s second goal during the EPL match, Sunday. (AP/PTI)

Tottenham ahead in the 56th minute after a measured pass from Ben Davis at the far post and Son

Heung-min added a second in the 72nd minute. The South Korean had recently got into the match as a substitute and scored after an assist from Harry Kane. Arsenal went back to the top of the Premier League on Saturday with

Minerva Academy win Futsal Club Championship 2023

a thrilling 4-2 win away to Aston Villa, with their last two goals arriving deep into injury time.

The win lifted them back above Manchester City, who were held 1-1 away to Nottingham Forest, who were kept in the game in the first half by a series of fine saves by Forest keeper Kaylor Navas. Bernardo Silva put

City ahead in the fourth minute, but Chris Wood scored an important equalizer for the home side with six minutes left to play. Elsewhere, Seamus Coleman’s cross/shot from a narrow angle gave Everton a win over Leeds United, which lifts Everton out of the bottom three and leads Leeds second from bottom.

Griezmann has now scored 14 goals in 30 games against Athletic, who were the better side in the first half, while Atletico were much improved after the break.

Betis 2-0 Valladolid

Betis won a tight game 2-1 at home to an improving Valladolid thanks to a second minute goal from Juanmi and a penalty from Sergio Canales, which came after Cyle Larin’s third goal in four matches had drawn Valladolid level.

Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla shared the points after an exciting draw in Vallecas after an exciting 1-1 draw.

NEW DELHI, FEB 20

(IANS): Goalkeeper Scott Moraes stood tall as Minerva Academy FC won the Futsal Club Championship at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall here.

The goalkeeper saved three of the four shots from Mohammedan Sporting to hand Minerva the title. On the other hand, Mohammedan custodian Augustin Savio D’Mello Rugved Yeole’s shot. The tie-breaker ended 3-1 in favour of Minerva Academy. The match ended 2-2 in regulation time as well as extra time. Mohammedan had taken the lead through

Suvo Khatoora but Clinton D’Souza equalised for Minerva in the first half itself.

Then Radhakanta Singh made it 2-1 for the eventual winners. But his strike was neutralised by Sandeep Oraw’s goal.

Mohammedan’s big success was not allowing tournament’s top-scorer (25 goals) Nikhil Mali any goals but it was fitting that he took the final shot in the shootout to beat Augustin, and win the trophy for his team.

Federation President Kalyan Chaubey presented the trophy. Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran was also present.

(L-R) Narmada Raju and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil. Rhythm Sangwan and Varun Tomar

Minerva Academy FC team members celebrate.

Barcelona players celebrate after Sergi Roberto scored the opening goal. (AP/PTI)

Smriti Mandhana plays a shot against Ireland Women during a match of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Gqeberha. (PTI)